Strike in Royal Enfield ends; continues at Yamaha

Striking employees of the Royal Enfield plant reported for duty after a gap of three days following an assurance from their company to look into their demand, even as the protest by workers of Yamaha India entered its ninth day without any resolution in sight.

Around 700 workers of Yamaha India’s manufacturing facility at Oragadam, 50 km from here, have been protesting against the management that allegedly terminated the services of two employees who were actively involved in forming a union in the factory.

The strike by employees of two automobile major comes in the wake of allegations that the organisations were stonewalling moves by its employees to form associations or union to make their representations strong with the management.

The Royal Enfield Employees’ Union called off the strike on Thursday evening and sources said the workers joined duty on Friday morning. The breakthrough came after the management held talks with them over their demands including a wage hike.

At Yamaha India, the production has affected due to the strike since September 20. Tripartite talks between Yamaha management, employees and Deputy Commissioner of Labour on Thursday was inconclusive with no end in sight. The strike began after the management allegedly fired two employees who were actively involved in forming a union.

“Our strike continues, and we will not budge from our stand. We want the reinstatement of the two employees who were sacked. Unless that is done, we are not in a mood to relent,” Bharath Kumar, who works at the Yamaha India factory, told DH.