Pfizer declares lockout at Thane unit after labour unrest

Drug manufacturer Pfizer, the marketer of brands such as Corex and Becosules, has declared a lockout at its factory in Thane (Mumbai) after unrest among workers for the past few months.The production had been stopped for at least four months, since there were “incidents of indiscipline”, making it difficult to continue operations peacefully, a Pfizer spokesperson said.
 
The plant was the only manufacturing unit of Pfizer in India employing 212 people.Pfizer said the lockout would not have any impact on its business operations, as it had a continuity plan.
 
The executive said it had made arrangements, including contract manufacturing of products and import arrangements, for the domestic market.The management has not indicated any timeline for starting operations.
 
The company said, “We are not in a position to resume operations till we are assured by the workmen the safety of our colleagues would not be compromised in any manner and the workmen will not indulge in acts of indiscipline.”
 
With an annual turnover of Rs 948 crore in India, Pfizer has a major presencein the anti-diabetes segment and is significantly present in anti-infectives, cardiovascular and respiratory drugs.