30 May, 2013On 27 May members of Indian unions staged protest action to render their support to Maruti Suzuki workers.
Leaders of All India Trade Union Congress, Centre of Indian Trade Unions, Hind Mazdoor Sabha accompanied by union members from Maruti Suzuki, Honda, Suzuki Powertrain, RICCO, Suzuki bike, Hero Moto Cop, Sona Koyo Steering and Satyam Auto, have organized demonstration and one-hour sit-in protest against the arrest by the police of over 100 workers 19 May in Kaithal (Haryana state of India).
The action is based on the earlier appeal of Maruti Suzuki Workers Union (MSWU) to all workers organizations, trade unions, democratic rights' and civil rights organizations and mass organizations as well as democratic minded individuals to protest against the brutal repression waged by the state authorities against Maruti Suzuki workers.
Since March 24 MSWU had organized actions including protest rallies and hunger strikes demanding reinstatement of 546 permanent and 1,800 contract workers dismissed by the company. According to MSWU the police have so far arrested 147 protestors and issued non-bailable warrants against 66 others. The workers believe the Government was not fully open in dealing with fired workers and always supported the management of the company.