Bajaj braces itself for another strike

Last year saw a 50-day closure at Bajaj Auto’s Chakan plant near Pune when a section of workers went on strike. One of the main demands then was that 500 shares be allotted to them at Re 1 apiece, something which the management dismissed outright.

Just when it seemed that the dust had settled down, the union has called for a strike at Chakan from April 28. While the allotment of 500 shares continues to be among the key demands, though at a higher Rs 10 this time, some of the workers also want the company to route the two per cent CSR (from profits) for education of their children and tribal rehabilitation. In addition, they want a statue of the founder, Jamnalal Bajaj, to be installed at Chakan.

In a press release issued here on Thursday, Rajiv Bajaj, Managing Director said, “If the demands of the union were somewhat preposterous the last time in June 2013, they are entirely insane this time around. 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.”

He reiterated that the company would be “certain not to repeat that error while taking all possible care to ensure the safety of the majority of our colleagues who wish to continue to work”.

It now remains to be seen how events begin unfolding in the coming days with the management clearly in no mood to accede to the union’s demands. The latter, likewise, could stick to its stance which means Chakan could be in for an encore of 2013. Production of bikes then moved to the Pantnagar and Waluj facilities.

At that point, Rajiv Bajaj had told Business Line that there was no question of issuing shares to the company’s workforce. “We are a profit-making company and believe in real money for hard work. Why should I gamble with the interests of my employees? They are entitled to getting real money,” he had said. Likewise, Bajaj did not subscribe to the theory that such employee stock options translated into loyalty.

“Paying more for loyalty is not the way I see it. My senior colleagues are proud of this company and share a dream which brings like-minded people together,” he said.