Bosch workers in Bangalore plant resort to ‘tool-down’ strike

Bangalore, March 8, 2013: Workers at auto component major Bosch Ltd’s Bangalore manufacturing facility in Adugodi have undertaken a ‘tool down’ strike. The plant manufactures fuel injection pumps as well as some crucial parts for the company’s common-rail systems.

The company has termed the move as illegal as the workers resorted to a ‘tool down’ strike without giving any prior notice. In its filing to Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) today, the company said, “Workmen of its Bangalore plant have resorted to an illegal ‘Tool Down’ strike with effect from the end of first shift of March 07, 2013, without giving any prior notice to the management. Efforts are in hand to resolve the matter with the Union and restore normalcy at the earliest.” However, it was not stated about whether the production in the plant has been hit.

When contacted over the phone, an official attached to the company said, “Talks are on between the management and employees union to resolve the issue.”

Founded in 1951, Bosch Ltd is India’s largest automotive component manufacturer and also one of the largest Indo-German companies in India. Bosch Ltd is also the flagship of the Bosch Group companies in India. The Bosch Group holds 71.18 percent stake in Bosch Ltd.

Bosch Ltd’s net profit fell by 15 percent to Rs 958 crore in 2012 from Rs 1,123 crore reported in the previous year. However, the company’s net sales and operating income rose by 6.4 percent year-on-year to Rs 8,511 crore in 2012.

JAISHANKAR JAYARAMIAH

Photograph: Bosch Ltd’s manufacturing plant in Adugodi in Bangalore.