Strike brings GM’s Halol plant to grinding halt
30 Oct 2010
Production at General Motors's Halol plant came to a halt on Friday as all 900 workers went on a strike demanding more pay wages.
The facility, 30km from Vadodara, produces 150 vehicles a day in two shifts. P Balendran, director and vice-president, corporate affairs, informed, ''The workers went on strike before the start of the morning shift today. The second shift has not commenced either, as discussions are still on with employees at Halol.''
Reports said a new workers' union has been formed at the plant, which is demanding a revision in wages.
The Halol plant has an installed capacity to produce 85,000 vehicles in three shifts. However, the company operates only two shifts, with the 900 workers divided equally.
GM manufactures the premium hatchback Aveo UVA, the entry-level sedan Aveo, the mid-size sedan Optra, the Cruze sedan and the multi-utility Tavera at Halol. The smaller cars, Chevrolet Spark and Chevrolet Beat, are made at its other factory, at Talegaon, near Pune.
This unit has an installed capacity to produce 140,000 vehicles a year. No labour unrest has been reported there.