8 August, 2023The Rieter India Employees Federation, affiliated to IndustriALL Global Union through Shramik Ekta Mahasangh, is on strike for the second time this year as management continues to engage in unfair labour practices.
Over 350 workers at Rieter India had struck work in January this year after management refused to address the union’s concerns about unfair labour practices. Seven union leaders, including the general secretary and president, were transferred in an effort to weaken the union after it filed a complaint with the labour department regarding the company’s unlawful employment of contract workers.
The workers have been compelled to go on strike once more since Rieter management has not resolved the issue yet but has also launched further attacks on the union to undermine workers' rights. Collectively 20 workers have been suspended after being implicated in false cases. Another 20 workers have been transferred to various far-off locations under the pretence of training purposes. Nine union members, including two union representatives, were also abruptly dismissed from service when the union issued a strike notice.
Kishor Somwanshi, president of Shramik Ekta Mahasangh, says:
“Instead of resolving the issue, Rieter management is abusing its power by calling in the police and local politicians to break the strike. This is unacceptable. We will continue the struggle as long as our demands remain unmet.”
Apoorva Kaiwar, IndustriALL’s South Asia regional secretary, paid a solidarity visit to the striking workers, and said:
“IndustriALL stands shoulder to shoulder with workers at Rieter India. We fully support the demands of our affiliate and we urge management to come forward and resolve the matter soon.”