Conflict at Honda

INDIA: A violent conflict between Honda workers and police broke out in the streets of Gurgaon, located just outside Delhi, on July 25 after months of industrial unrest at the Honda Motor Cycle & Scooters India Ltd factory. The dispute at the Honda factory began in December 2004 when the workers demanded an increase in wages. In May 2005 the workers began to organise and with the help of the All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC) formed and registered a trade union. In the following months, Honda suspended 50 workers who were active in the formation of the union, dismissed four union leaders and failed to recognise the union. The company also declared an illegal lockout on June 27, taking on new contract labour and asking workers to sign an undertaking that they would not engage in union formation, strike or collective bargaining activities. On July 25 3,000 to 4,000 people were marching to the office of local authorities seeking the reinstatement of the suspended workers when the police intervened. After a series of minor clashes the violence escalated with police resorting to beating the protestors with canes and arresting 62 protestors. It has been reported that up to 700 people sustained injuries in the violence, which continued the next day after families were prevented from reaching the injured. The factory employs approximately 1900 workers, 1000 regular workers and the rest on contract, and was established four years ago assembling Eterno and Activa scooters and the Unicorn motorcycle.Jul 27, 2005 – Anita Gardner