Sunday, November 8, 2009

Workers at an India auto-parts maker end their six-week strike

The six-week strike involving workers at an India auto-parts maker has finally ended. The conflict adversely affected transmission parts supplies to General Motors and Ford Motor Co. and caused the shutdown of at least two North American crossover vehicle plants.

Surendra Singh, senior vice president for human resources at Rico Auto Industries Ltd., said that a settlement had been achieved and that 100% of production will be achieved in a day or two after the announcement. The strike began on Sept. 21 affecting more than 2,000 workers at the Rico plant located outside the Indian capital. The Rico plant makes transmission parts for vehicles. Reportedly, the trouble started when the company suspended some of their colleagues citing indiscipline. Singh said the firm would be trying to make up for the lost production by increasing plant capacity utilization. Ford’s Oakville, Ontario , plant was the latest facility that was closed last. GM’s Delta Township , Mich. , plant was scheduled to be closed this week.