Pricol defends salary cut for 'unauthorised absenteesim'

Automobile components maker Pricol today defended the salary cut effected for a section of its workers for 'mass absenteeism' on April 25 and accused union leaders of 'unnecessary provocation and protests' on the issue.
Pricol would be forced to move out of the city if union leaders continued with such activities, Company Managing Director Vikram Mohan told reporters here.
He said the company as per rules had deducted eight days salary for 800 employees belonging to Kovai Mavatra Pricol Thozhilalar Otrumai Sangam - affiliated to AICCTU, for 'unauthorised mass absenteeism' on April 25 in support of farmers' issue,
The action of workers prompted a majority of the customers to urge the management to move out of Coimbatore as they were apprehensive of not getting required automotive parts in time, he claimed.

He charged that due to "instigation by outside" forces to disrupt the smooth functioning of the company, some started levelling allegations.
He said April and May were peak months for auto industry and hence the company had told the workers not to go ahead with their April 25 protest.

Despite this, a total of 809 workmen resorted to mass absenteeism. Many were forced not to enter the factory.
"We issued a show cause notice on April 26, seeking explanation for mass absenteeism. We received replies, but they were unacceptable," he said adding the matter later reached the Joint Labour Commissioner.

Trade union leaders were not available for their version.