Bombardier threatens to terminate striking workforce

AHMEDABAD: Rail coach maker Bombardier Transporation on Thursday warned its striking workforce at Savli to resume work on or before July 17, 2013 failing which their services would be terminated. The MNC is facing unrest from near 125 employees and contract workers at its facility since June 3.

Bombardier has already suspended 50 employees on disciplinary grounds in relation to the strike action pending an inquiry but said it has not terminated any single company employee so far.

In a statement issued this morning, the company said: “The company is rightful and constrained to take any disciplinary action including terminating their services through an applicable legal process and hire replacements for smooth conduct of its business activities. The company is open to accepting their demands by allowing works committee formation of Bombardier Transportation employees and adopt a softer approach on employees during enquiries on which disciplinary action has been initiated. In the event of such situation arising where Bombardier Transportation India considers retrenching employees, the company will follow uniform approach for all its employees.”

A short-term deputation plan for about 34 employees to its project site in New Delhi went awry earlier in June fueling the unrest.

At the Savli site, the company is currently executing bogie orders for Adelaide and Victoria in Australia and delivery of metro cars for Delhi Metro Rail Corporation.

Bombardier, Savli, unrest