Karnataka government blocks lockout at Toyota car plants
21 Apr 2014
The Karnataka government today stepped in to prevent a lockout at the twin car plants of Toyota Kirloskar Motor Pvt Ltd at Bidadi, about 35 km from Bangalore, where trouble between the workers and the management has been brewing for over a month.
Even though the management had withdrawn the lockout at its plants with effect from 24 March on condition that the workers sign a good conduct undertaking before returning to work, the state government has construed it as continuation of the lockout.
Such a lockout is prohibited under Section 10 (3) of the Industrial Disputes Act, the government said in its order.
Toyota's Indian joint venture with Kirloskar had imposed a lockout at both its car manufacturing plants from 16 March after it felt that the workers could damage company property and harm other employees.
Subsequently, it lifted the lockout on 24 March and asked the workers to sign an undertaking of good conduct. A section of the workers refused to sign the undertaking and launched a 'relay hunger' strike.
The state government has referred the charter of demands from the workers for adjudication, and meanwhile asked the workers and management to cooperate for a solution.
Toyota Kirloskar said in a statement, ''This matter [signing of loyalty statements] along with other relevant issues has been referred to the court for adjudication. The government has requested the company and [workers'] union to restore normalcy in operations immediately. Under these circumstances it is important for the union and the company to comply with and facilitate the execution of the government's order.''
The state government has referred the matter for adjudication. The issue will now be heard in the Industrial Disputes Tribunal, Toyota Kirloskar Motor Employees Union (TKMEU) said.
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