Labour issues have resurfaced at Bajaj Auto’s Chakan plant in Pune, with a workers’ union issuing notice to go on an indefinite strike from April 28.
The union - Vishwa Kalyan Kamgar Sanghatna (VKKS) – has issued a notice demanding allotment of 500 shares to each permanent worker at a discounted price of ₹ 10 apiece. Earlier last year, the union had demanded the allotment of shares at ₹1,” said K.J. Zanzari, vice president (Motorcycle Manufacturing) at Bajaj Auto.
“They have also demanded some portion of CSR (corporate social responsibility) fund to be allocated for the development of tribals, malnutrition and for education,” he added.
The union has issued a notice to Bajaj Auto Ltd management stating that they will go on an indefinite strike and stop the work at Chakan Plant from April 28, if their demands are not met.
Bajaj Auto, which produces Pulsar, KTM and Avenger bikes from the plant, employs about 850 personnel at the plant.
“If the demands of the union were somewhat preposterous the last time in June 2013, they are entirely insane this time around,” Bajaj Auto Managing Director Rajiv Bajaj said.
“It seems to me that with some of the irresponsible union leaders and members, the management is guilty of sparing the rod and spoiling the child,” Bajaj said.
The company is taking all possible care to ensure safety of its staff and also for the continuity of production.
Shares in Bajaj Auto ended up 0.65 per cent at ₹2,013.40 on a strong BSE, which closed up 1.58 per cent on Thursday.