Tata Motors workers demand reinstatement of their jobs

Close to 159 workers of Tata Motors at Sanand have opposed their termination. They have demanded an end to the contract system and have also demanded that the company make them permanent employees after working in the company over years. Union leaders also say that local workers are rendered jobless while fresh recruits are being hired from other states.

The workers, on Tuesday, held protests at the office of Labour Commissioner in Ahmedabad and submitted a memorandum. Their main demands include abolishing the contract system and making them permanent and immediate reinstatement of 159 employees removed in illegal manner. “We have been working in the Sanand facility as trainees, as apprentice and on contract. After serving the company for a number of years, we are being terminated,” said one of the workers. Recently, they had conducted protests at the office of District Collector.

A spokesperson of Tata Motors, however, said, “Tata Motors has not given any such advertisement. We engage a number of contractors for different type of temporary jobs and they hire the workforce as per their requirements and deploy them for work. Tata Motors is fulfilling the criteria set by the state government for employment of locals."

The company also clarified that these are ex-temporary workmen who have been relieved of their term as per agreement. Some of them have approached labour authorities in the past demanding they be taken back and this matter is sub-judice.