US trade body writes to Gujarat government on GM’s Halol plant strike

Following the strike at the General Motors India (GMI) plant in Halol, which entered its eighth day yesterday, the American Chamber of Commerce in India (AMCHAM-India) - an association of US businesses operating in India - has written to the Gujarat government asking how it can control the strike at the plant.

According to AMCHAM executive director Ajay Singha who spoke to  The Indian Express from New Delhi, AMCHAM had communicated to the Gujarat government regarding the unrest at GMI's Halol plant. He added an e-mail had been sent out on Tuesday and a reply was awaited, but thus far there had been no response.

He added that the unrest was of great concern and it would like to know to what extent this (strike) could be controlled by the government and how it tackles the labour unions and protesters.

AMCHAM-India, accredited to the US Chamber of Commerce, Washington DC, is a full member of the Asia-Pacific Council of American Chambers of Commerce (APCAC).

On its part, GMI has warned workers that a failure to report to work by 25 March could result in loss of job. The labour unrest has been putting the production back by  100 units per day, according to the company.

This is the second instance in six months of labour urest at the company's Halol plant. Workers say their protests are to highlight the 'inhuman' approach of the management at  the workplace, which has caused serious health problems.