Workers of the Himalaya Drug Company struck work on Thursday in protest against the “labour-unfriendly” policies of the management at the Freedom Park.
Protesters, all members of the Karnataka Workers' Union, claimed that the management has been unwilling to negotiate wage hikes, work conditions and workers' rights. Union general secretary E.K.N. Rajan said the management had set up a “stooge union” or a “management-sponsored” outfit, and was trying to counter the work of the recognised union. They submitted a memorandum to the Office of the Labour Commissioner accusing them of unfair labour practices under the Industrial Dispute Act.
The last wage hike was in 2007, union members said. The charter of demands which was agreed upon expired in October 2010. For over two years now, the management had been refusing to engage with the union to discuss the fresh charter. The plant, which manufactures Ayurvedic medicines, is located in Nelamangala.
