As the strike by workers at Tata Motors’ Sanand plant continues unabated, the Ahmedabad Collector is now taking the initiative to bring the warring parties to the negotiating table.
The Collector has called for a tripartite meeting on Friday, to be attended by the Gujarat state’s labour department, the agitating workers as well as the company’s management. The striking workers, meanwhile, approached the Police Commissioner seeking permission to hold a dharna on Monday.
“If a compromise can be reached at the meeting tomorrow, the dharna will not be necessary”, said activist Sagar Rabari of Gujarat Khedut Samaj, who have openly declared support for the agitating workers at the Nano plant. The company has also expressed its eagerness to negotiate with the agitating workers. In an emailed statement, a Tata Motors spokesperson said, “Yes, in line with our viewpoint mentioned earlier, we are keen to resolve the issue with our people and run our business in a congenial environment to fulfil our commitment to the local community and the state of Gujarat. Accordingly, we look forward to the meeting called by the District Collector Ahmedabad to engage with workmen representatives, Management and Labour Department to resolve this illegal strike resorted to by some people.”