Hero Honda hit by workers' strike

Production at the two-wheeler major Hero Honda's plant in Gurgaon was severely hit following a strike by contract workers, demanding regularisation of services and higher pay, even as talks were on to end the agitation.

"We are demanding regularisation of services of the contract workers who have been working for the company for the last 5-10 years on the basis of seniority," Devender Pradhan, leader of the contract workers union, told PTI.

Talks were on between the company's management, contractors, representatives of contract workers, the sub-divisional magistrate and other government officials to find an amicable solution to the strike -- the second such labour unrest in this industial belt within a year.

Production at the plant was severely hit following the strike. "We have been on strike since Monday afternoon and there is no production going on right now. We produce about 6,500 vehicles a day at the plant," Pradhan said, adding that they would continue the protest till their demands were met.

Other demands of the workers include compensatory off, medical facilities and salary accounts in banks. "There are about 1,200 permanent workers, while 4,000 are on contract," Pradhan said. But company sources said only about 2,000 workers stayed away from work.

The workers were demanding regularisation of 1,000 contract workers right away and 100 workers every month. They also demanded that junior contract workers be treated as casual workers, which entitles them for some benefits.

Hero Honda said it was following responsible corporate practices and "for an early resolution, the company is extending full cooperation to all parties concerned – the government agencies, the contractors and their workers."