Maruti may hire new technicians for strike-hit Manesar plant

Maruti Suzuki Ltd may go for fresh hiring at its plant in Manesar, Haryana to end a workers' stand-off that has resulted in a major production snag for the country's largest carmaker.

Maruti Suzuki is expected to start replacing the striking workers with newly-hired trained technicians if they fail to sign a `good conduct' bond and return to work by Monday, sources close to the developments said.

Maruti Suzuki, meanwhile, issued a warning on its web site against reported emails demanding cash deposits with certain banks for job interviews in the company.

It also warned of some "individuals and recruitment companies also wrongfully using the company's registered trademark as well as using the names of certain officials of the company to lure innocent members of the public to fall into this trap."

Maruti management has support from both its parent company Suzuki Motor Corp of Japan and the Haryana government's labour department in its efforts to resolve the issue and restart production at the plant.

With the flash strike that started on 29 August continuing with no end in site, the company has now decided to give the striking workers time till Monday to sign the "good conduct" bond before going for fresh hiring.