Bosch workers call off ‘tool down’ strike in Bangalore plant

March 11, 2013: The workers at auto component major Bosch Ltd’s Bangalore manufacturing facility in Adugodi have withdrawn their ‘tool down’ strike.

The strike, which began after the first shift on March 7, ended late evening on Saturday (March 0)as the three-day-long negotiations between the labour union and management witnessed positive results.

The workers resorted to strike following the suspension of an employee in the factory. Following talks with the union, the company has finally withdrawn the suspension of the employee. However, the enquiry will still continue, the company said.

Talking to Autocar Professional, an official attached to the company said, “The workers resumed production immediately after calling off the strike on Saturday night and currently the production is being smoothly carried out.” The company’s Adugodi plant manufactures fuel injection pumps as well as some crucial parts for its common-rail systems.

In a media statement issued today, the company confirmed that the employee union, MICO Employee’s Association (MEA) attached to Bosch Ltd has called off the strike post discussion with the management on March 9, 2013.

The management and the union meeting concluded with a quick resolution on the issues, supported by the intervention of Additional Labour Commissioner. “An agreement was reached on the working model for the new production line as per well established industrial engineering standards. Based on this, the suspension of one employee has been withdrawn,” the management said.

Further, Bosch management has stressed that all decisions pertaining to business shall be in favour of the organisation and its employees. “Bosch will continue to act fairly yet firmly in all such situations,” the company added.

However, the company has not disclosed details about the quantum of production loss due to three-day ‘tool down’ strike in the Adugodi plant. The company had termed the strike as illegal as the workers resorted to it without giving any prior notice.

Jaishankar Jayaramiah