After demanding for a formation of a union, the workers of Honda Motorcycles and Scooter India (HMSI) plant went on a hunger strike 18 days back in Rajasthan.

When spoken to the workers of the company, they claimed that there was no intervention from the central and the state government regarding the strike in the Tapukara factory.

According to the union the company has laid off 102 workers, suspended 25 and terminated more than 2000 contract based workers, which was a direct consequence of the workers forming a union and applying for its registration.

All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC) commented on strikes, “It is unfortunate that neither central government nor Rajasthan government has intervened in spite of deteriorating health of five local union leaders sitting on hunger strike. Unions of Rajasthan will organise protest demonstrations on all districts on October 6, 2016 throughout the state to express solidarity with the victimised Honda workers.”

The Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI) said, “Before being sacked these workers had demanded Rs 11,000 each from each permanent worker towards forming the union. Those who did not cooperate were beaten up and forcibly detained at plant by blocking the factory exits on February 16, which led to the police action.”

“These workers were booked under various charges under Sections 307 (attempt to murder) and 395 (dacoity) filed by the Rajasthan police after they had attacked the state police who was trying to evacuate them from plant after the sabotage in plant on February 16”, the company further added.

The Strike shows no sign of subsiding anytime soon. Tapukara plant in Rajasthan started back in 2011 and produces 1.2 million two-wheelers each year.

News Source – ET Auto