The Madras High Court has directed the police not to interfere with the peaceful strike by the workers’ union of a South Korean company at Sriperumbudur in Kancheepuram district.
If, for any reason, the strike became violent or at the instance of the management there is likelihood of disturbance to law and order, then it was for the police to restore peace and prevent any unlawful activity, the court said.
Justice M. Duraiswamy passed the interim order on a petition by the United Labour Federation. The petitioner submitted that its members were permanent workers of NVH India Auto Parts Pvt. Limited at Irungattukottai.
The union alleged that the company did not follow any legislation for the welfare of the labourers.
The management did not respect the freedom of the association of workers and their rights to be represented by a trade union.
In the absence of trade union protection, the workers were abused verbally and physically. There were several instances of South Korean managers kicking the workers.
There was not even drinking water for the workers. When they asked for providing drinking water, the management suspended a few of them. The toilet facility in the factory was inadequate.
Unable to bear the humiliating working conditions, the workers began a strike on January 2. The police arrested the workers, who were later released on bail by the court.
The petitioner said the strike was peaceful. Arrest of the workers and office-bearers of the union was not an innocent exercise by the police. The union alleged that the police were “aiding the management to break the strike.”
Justice Duraiswamy ordered notice of admission returnable by January 27. He said the issue put forth by counsel on either side could be decided only after the counter affidavit was filed.
