8 November, 2011The IMF Automotive Working Group met in Chennai and in Pune in India October 31 to November 4. 91 union representatives discussed strategy to win trade union rights across the globe, how to strengthen global trade union networks and cooperation with Indian auto workers.
INDIA: IMF global auto affiliates representing all major auto companies across the world met at Chennai and Pune in India to boost union network structures and International Framework Agreements (IFAs) in global auto companies. Strong working relationships with Indian trade unions were a major focus.
Bob King, President of the Automotive Group, expressed serious concern over Ford India's reluctance to recognise trade union rights and recruitment of large number of precarious workers. He said that "Global strategy and non-violent direct action coordinated across the world are key to get justice."
Christian Brunkhorst of the EMF said that "International trade unions should go beyond networks and raise their voice on public and political issues, like regulation of the international financial sector."
Helmut Lense from the IMF Automotive Department said that significant progress had been made in building networks in auto majors like Volkswagen, Daimler, BMW, PSA and Renault. In addition, steps have been taken to build networks in GM and Ford (an IFA is planned). The existing network in Fiat/Chrysler has met for the first time this year. Next year network meetings, including with Indian participants, are planned in Bosch, Toyota, Nissan and Hyundai/Kia.
Dennis Williams of the UAW reported on the works councils in Daimler, Volkswagen and BMW and thanked IG Metall for its strong support. He also hoped for similar support from JAW in the coming years.
Rajesh Nair from TATA Motors presented a detailed analysis and future prospects of the auto market, and Professor Sharit Bhowmik from the Tata Institute of Social Sciences made a presentation on the social and economic situation in India. Arvind Shrouti, Option Positive urged workers to struggle for Industrial Democracy and participative rights.
Leaders of IMF's Indian affiliates INMF, SMEFI, and WPTUC provided a national perspective on industrial relations and leaders of Shramik Ekta Mahasangh (SEM) provided a perspective on the Pune region.
Sudhershan Rao Sarde, Director of the IMF South Asian office presented the challenges of the Indian auto industry, and union representatives from India presented company reports on Ford India, General Motors, Hyundai and Maruti Suzuki. A total of 91 delegates including 46 international delegates participated. The next automotive group meeting will take place in Russia.
Bob King, President of the Automotive Group, expressed serious concern over Ford India's reluctance to recognise trade union rights and recruitment of large number of precarious workers. He said that "Global strategy and non-violent direct action coordinated across the world are key to get justice."
Christian Brunkhorst of the EMF said that "International trade unions should go beyond networks and raise their voice on public and political issues, like regulation of the international financial sector."
Helmut Lense from the IMF Automotive Department said that significant progress had been made in building networks in auto majors like Volkswagen, Daimler, BMW, PSA and Renault. In addition, steps have been taken to build networks in GM and Ford (an IFA is planned). The existing network in Fiat/Chrysler has met for the first time this year. Next year network meetings, including with Indian participants, are planned in Bosch, Toyota, Nissan and Hyundai/Kia.
Dennis Williams of the UAW reported on the works councils in Daimler, Volkswagen and BMW and thanked IG Metall for its strong support. He also hoped for similar support from JAW in the coming years.
Rajesh Nair from TATA Motors presented a detailed analysis and future prospects of the auto market, and Professor Sharit Bhowmik from the Tata Institute of Social Sciences made a presentation on the social and economic situation in India. Arvind Shrouti, Option Positive urged workers to struggle for Industrial Democracy and participative rights.
Leaders of IMF's Indian affiliates INMF, SMEFI, and WPTUC provided a national perspective on industrial relations and leaders of Shramik Ekta Mahasangh (SEM) provided a perspective on the Pune region.
Sudhershan Rao Sarde, Director of the IMF South Asian office presented the challenges of the Indian auto industry, and union representatives from India presented company reports on Ford India, General Motors, Hyundai and Maruti Suzuki. A total of 91 delegates including 46 international delegates participated. The next automotive group meeting will take place in Russia.