Pune: Exide Industries Workers Commence Indefinite Strike Over Demands

Chinchwad, 2nd November 2023: In a significant development, the workers of Exide Industries Limited, Chinchwad Factory have initiated an indefinite strike in response to a series of grievances against the company management. The strike, which began on October 30, marks a culmination of tensions between the workers and management.

The main demands put forth by the striking workers include the withdrawal of various actions taken against 30 employees, their reinstatement, and the acceptance of the Maharashtra State Rashtriya Kamgar Sangh as their recognized trade union.

The labour unrest had been brewing for several months, with workers having previously warned about the possibility of an indefinite strike back in April and May. To mediate the dispute, a meeting was convened with the involvement of the Labour Minister, as part of the Labour Commissioner’s reconciliation attempts. Despite this, the management has been unyielding, and tensions have only intensified.

The workers allege that they have been subjected to oppressive conditions, with various complaints against the management, including non-discussion with the majority trade union, mutual deductions from workers’ salaries, issuance of charge sheets based on false complaints, suspensions, disciplinary actions, and administrative actions against union members. Additionally, there have been allegations of interference with the organization formed by permanent workers, disturbing industrial peace, and forced employment of contract workers in violation of employment agreements.

The workers have highlighted that their demands have consistently been denied by the management, which has ultimately led to the current strike action. The situation remains unresolved as both sides remain at odds, and the strike continues to impact the operations of Exide Industries in Chinchwad.