Bosch lifts lockout at its Jaipur plant

Bangalore-based Bosch Ltd, which grappled with labour strife at its Bangalore plant last year, and more recently at its Jaipur facility, has said it will lift the lockout at its Jaipur plant. A decision to this effect has been conveyed to the Rajasthan state government.

After a tripartite deliberation, involving the state’s labour department and union, a commitment was sought from the union at Bosch Jaipur plant to immediately stop the hunger strike and to withdraw the go-slow action, which began from March 19, 2015 without a notice being issued. The go-slow action put into effect by the staff union had reduced production output by up to 70 percent of normal levels. The union has agreed to a first level of increased output targets, the company said in a statement.   

Bosch said it has ensured that customers were not impacted by the lockout. During the phase of the lockout, production had continued with officers and trainee workmen.

In its statement, Bosch said: “While Bosch continues to be one of the highest paymasters in the region-cum-manufacturing industry, the company is committed to working with the union to find an immediate resolution to the ongoing wage settlement negotiation. Implementation of industrial engineering standards is imperative for optimum utilization of resources, thereby ensuring the plant’s competitiveness and its future. Realisation of this globally accepted norm at competitive wages is critical to ensure that the Jaipur plant attracts new products and ensure a sustainable future.