On 29 January, Bajaj Auto workers took action against management’s delaying tactics over unfair terminations and wage revision, and went on a hunger strike. There was massive participation of Bajaj autoworkers in the Chakan and Akurdi plants, along with their families.
Following negotiations between the workers and the management in the labour commissioner office on 2 February, management agreed to implement the wage rise at the Akurdi Plant retrospectively, and also agreed to collective bargaining with the union. Management also committed to reinstate six employees who were fired in 2016, as well as to start a discussion with the union about the eight workers who were sacked in 2013.
Apoorva Kaiwar, IndustriALL South Asia Regional secretary says:
It is an important victory and we congratulate Bajaj Auto Workers and the union Vishwakalyan Kamgar Sanghatana. Spirited struggle paved the way for a successful outcome in the tripartite negotiations. We will continue to stand in solidarity with IndustriALL affiliates to defend workers rights.