Labour issues continue to plague Nokia Siemens Network, with a section of employees at its factory near here now going on strike, demanding reinstatement of suspended workers, among others.
The company also recently decided to close its Kolkata factory.
Sources said employees, who are backed by the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU), have been on strike since June 7, demanding union recognition and reinstatement of suspended workers.
“The company had suspended 72 workers some time ago, and agreed to take back 67 of them. We are still waiting for them to reinstate the remaining five. We also want wage hikes and union recognition. Nearly 115 of us are on strike, we will meet again on Monday to decide our future course of action,” E. Muthukumar, a union trade representative said. The company has over 800 employees at the factory currently.
A section of employees had similarly gone on strike last year, bringing production to a halt, protesting against the sacking of over 50 employees.
A Nokia Siemens spokesperson said that the company was working towards reaching a ‘positive solution’ and that only 70 employees had demonstrated.
“Because of the demonstration of these 70 employees, there were some disruption in inflow and outflow of materials. However, after that demonstration dispersed, the issue was resolved. We are working with employee representatives to resolve the issue that has come up with some of the employees. In the meantime, we would urge all to treat this in a rational and measured manner and abide by law and order,” the spokesperson said.
