Government of Haryana undermines Freedom of Association

Delhi, 16 June 2011: The New Trade Union Initiative (NTUI) condemns the Maruti Suzuki India Ltd (MSIL) management’s demand that agitating workers at the Manesar plant give up the claim to form their own union. MSIL management believes it is above the Indian law! The MSIL Managing Executive Officer (Administration), Mr S.Y. Siddiqi’s statement that MSIL will neither permit the formation of a union nor “tolerate any external affiliation of the union” is a violation of workers’ rights guaranteed under national and international laws.

The Freedom of Association is a recognised right of workers, enshrined in this country’s constitution and protected by national statute and requires no justification. It is also protected by ILO and UN Conventions. The workers wanted to register their own union rather than be compelled to join the Maruti Suzuki Kamgar Union which already exists at the Maruti plant in Gurgaon, as they want to have an autonomous negotiating capacity which would reflect their interests properly.

Government of Haryana abdicates its duty to uphold the Indian Constitution
The Government of Haryana and the Haryana Labour Department have also acted in collusion with the MSIL management with Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda reportedly assuring MSIL management yesterday that the state government supports MSIL’s stance and will not permit formation of a second union.

The Chief Minister of Haryana, the Labour Minister and the Labour Commissioner have all abdicated their statutory responsibility under the Constitution which through Article 19 guarantees citizens “the right to form associations or unions” which has been crystallized into a positive law for registration of a union.

Stop Japanese Anti-Union Corporate Philosophy
The thirteen days of sit-in protest by Maruti workers is an index of their determination to defend their Freedom of Association and Right to Organise. However it is also an indication of MSIL management’s arrogance and its view that it can violate Indian laws with impunity! The management is ready to face a loss of nearly 560 crore rupees but will not agree to the workers legitimate demands.

The Government of Haryana’s public backing of MSIL is only exacerbating the conflict instead of leading to an amicable resolution. In the face of united assault by Government and management, the workers of MSEU must be commended for continuing a peaceful agitation.

The NTUI demands that the MSIL management:
• Stop violating the Indian constitution
• Reinstate all the dismissed workers immediately
• Stop victimisation of workers
• Stop engaging in unfair labour practice

The NTUI calls upon the Labour Department and the Chief Minister of Haryana to defend the Freedom of Association and ensure that MSIL management follows the due process of law and stops victimising workers who have done nothing illegal and are only exercising their Right to Organise.