Will ensure Maruti strike does not become industrial dispute: Haryana

CHANDIGARH: The Haryana government on Wednesday said it is closely monitoring the strike at Maruti Suzuki India's Manesar plant and will ensure that it does not take the shape of an industrial dispute.

"We are closely monitoring the situation. We will ensure that it does not become an industrial dispute," Haryana Industries Minister Randeep Singh Surjewala said when asked if the government will intervene in the matter.

He said the government was keeping a close watch on the developments at the Manesar plant and was in touch with the concerned parties.

"Maruti is backbone of our industry. The strike is unwarranted, even though the law gives the workers every right to form one more union," he said.

He said the government and administration would try to ensure that the issue is amicably resolved.

"Our Labour Department officials are closely following the developments from day one itself and talking to both the parties," he said.

Surjewala hoped that the deadlock will end soon and the issue will stand resolved.

Meanwhile, the strike entered its fifth day today and no production took place at the plant, with Maruti Suzuki India maintaining a tough posture, saying there was no question of accepting the demands of the workers.

Around 2,000 workers at the plant have been on strike since Saturday, resulting in a production loss of about 3,000 units till yesterday. The value of the lost production is estimated at around Rs 150 crore.

The striking workers are demanding the recognition of a new union - Maruti Suzuki Employees Union (MSEU) - formed by those working at the Manesar plant, besides retaining contract labourers for the two upcoming new units inside the complex.