The labour strike at several automobile companies, which is happening with clockwork regularity over the last five years, clearly shows that the workers are no longer satisfied with mere jobs but want fairplay as well.

The liberalisation during the 1990s led to opening of the sector leading to creation of more opportunities but a decade later, the demands are different: workers want better wages, better working conditions, an organised union and want temporary workers to be made permanent.

But the managements are struggling to come to terms with newer sets of demands and at the same time, antiquated labour laws aren't helping their cause either.

They are looking at various alternatives including newer locations hoping that they can wish away the issues.

The investor-friendly Gujarat is one such location they hope will enable them to continue their business in peace. But the issues are much deeper and needs be tackled urgently.

“What could happen in Manesar, can happen anywhere else,” says PWC leader for automotive services, Mr Abdul Majeed.

A top official with an automobile company, which is looking at Gujarat as an alternative site, said that the Centre as well as the State governments are more interested in attracting investments.

“Once they get an auto company to set up a factory in their State, they just forget about us,” the official who did not want to be quoted said.

It is important for the Centre as well as the State governments to sit together with the workers as well as the managements to find a long lasting solution to such problems.

If solutions are not found as early as possible, “automobile companies might just look at alternative sites outside India,” says Mr Majeed.

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