Apollo Tyres’ Vadodara Facility ‘Returning to Normalcy’

Apollo Tyres’ Vadodara is running at normal capacity following more than a week of disruption to its 6000 tyres per day production. The factory had been running at full capacity when at the midnight of 30 May, the leadership of one of the three trade unions declared a strike. Apollo representatives report that such stoppages without prior notice are illegal according to existing labour laws. Furthermore the action was prohibited by an order issued by the Government of Gujarat on 7 June 2005. After this the factory resumed normal operations.

In a dramatic twist, in a statement issued by Apollo Tyres, the company alleges that “certain members of the union issued death threats to workers reporting for duty and even threatened the management of the factory with dire consequences.” In spite of this, the company reports that it has “immense faith in its employees who have contributed to its growth over the years and wishes to create a harmonious environment for their growth.” “Apollo believes in adhering to the laws of the land while running its operations. It is currently one of biggest employers and revenue generators for the state of Gurajat with the highest industrial wage and perquisites in Baroda. We will continue to work towards the benefit of our employees and other stakeholders,” said Neeraj Kanwar, chief operating officer, Apollo Tyres Ltd.