Workers of major auto firms continue protest in Oragadam

The Madras High Court has directed the inspector of police, Sriperumbudur, to ensure that the ongoing demonstration by the staff of Yamaha Motor India Pvt Ltd is held 200 metres away from the factory premises. More than 750 permanent employees of the factory are on strike over the last couple of days pressing various demands, including the right to form a labour union.

Justice P. Rajamanickam passed the interim order on a petition filed by Yamaha seeking adequate police protection for vehicles and workers.

He ordered notices to the respondents returnable in two weeks.

Over 500 workers from major car and two-wheeler manufacturing firms in the Oragadam belt staged a protest on Tuesday, extending support to the workers of Royal Enfield, Yamaha and Myoung Shin Automotive India Pvt Ltd.

“A handful of workers from auto firms including Hyundai came out in support of the protest,” said S. Kannan, president, CITU, Kancheepuram.

Union office-bearers said that workers of Yamaha would visit the Labour Commissionerate on Wednesday to hold talks with the management. Workers of Myoung Shin Automotive will be having a meeting at Irungattukottai.

‘Strike will continue’

At the Yamaha Motor plant, employees have been sitting in dharna since September 22. CITU Kancheepuram secretary E. Muthukumar said that food and other amenities were being made available to the striking employees by the company as well as the CITU.

A batch of 25 confirmed women employees was allowed to join their striking colleagues.

The scene was similar at Royal Enfield, where permanent workers were allowed to enter the campus during their shift.

Employees whom The Hindu spoke to said that the strike would continue until the demands are met.

Mr. Muthukumar and the workers confirmed that there had been no impact on production and that work was continuing inside the plant with the help of trainees and contract workers.