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Haldwani Factory Workers Strike Over Exploitation
20 Apr
Summary
- Over 500 workers protested alleged exploitation and poor conditions.
- Workers reported 12-hour shifts, poor canteen food, and unsafe transport.
- Company agreed to 12 of 14 demands following negotiations.
Industrial workers in Haldwani, Uttarakhand, initiated a protest on Monday, with over 500 employees from the Motherson factory participating. The demonstration centered on allegations of exploitation, including excessively long 12-hour work shifts without proper compensation. Workers also reported that the company canteen served undercooked and pest-infested food, and that company buses were poorly maintained.
Female employees specifically detailed experiencing verbal abuse from management and restrictions on taking necessary breaks. The protesting workers presented a 14-point charter of demands to the administration. Key requests included a minimum monthly wage of ₹20,000, immediate rehiring of recently dismissed employees, and full overtime pay at double the standard rate.
Negotiations, facilitated by the deputy labor commissioner, resulted in the company agreeing to 12 of the 14 demands. An HR representative stated that wage increases would be implemented upon official government order. Separately, a social activist alleged physical assault by an inspector during the peaceful demonstration, prompting an investigation by local authorities.
