Pune, Nov 3: The chances of a colourful Diwali opening for the Taj group hotel in Pune looks difficult. Stiff resistance from workers of the Hotel Blue Diamond who were employees of the Poona Industrial Hotel Ltd have delayed the re-opening of the hotel. The workers comprising 170 permanent and 180 contract labour, are planning to further intensify their stir if a satisfactory package offering them employment was not worked out. They would also oppose any move by the new owners to bring in their own staff.The Taj group recently acquired The Hotel Blue Diamond and City Inn Baramati for Rs 40 crore. The workers have been demonstrating all over the city against the termination of their services.General labour union vice-president Ajit Abhyankar said that the workers were seeking support from other Kirloskar company unions and the Hotel President union, which is affiliated to CITU. Abhyankar is seeking a tripartite talks with the Kirloskars, Taj Group and the workers to resolve the issue. The union's ire has been directed at Poona Industrial Hotel chairman Atul Kirloskar who has been out of the country since the Taj group moved in. The union members are awaiting his return from France and believe it is his moral responsibility to rehabilitate workers by offering them employment in other Kirloskar group companies if they do not find employment at Hotel Blue Diamond.
The Taj group had offered to interview each employee and offer fresh employment to those who fit in with the Taj culture and plans. The interview process has already started and workers have been participating in them.
Copyright © 1999 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.