MRF Entreaties Employees to Return to Work

Unrest at the MRF Ltd factory in Arakkonam, India is now entering its second month, and the tyre manufacturer has voiced its hope for a swift resolution to the strike. In early June the company sent a letter to the plant’s 1400 workers, requesting their return to work.

“You are all aware of the difficulties that we are facing for the past few days due to all the unfortunate incidents that have happened,” the letter states. “Every day, our factory is suffering a loss of Rs 3.5 crore (£445,000). In these difficult circumstances, you must have been aware of the bonus and the wholesome amount to be paid every month. Therefore, be cautious and keep the evil forces at bay and cooperate with us on the path of success.”

On June 8 India’s Supreme Court rejected the petition filed by the MRF United Workers Union seeking to block the company finalising a wage agreement with the rival MRF Arakkonam Worker’s Welfare Union. The court refused to intervene, stating that a hearing was already scheduled to take place in the Madras High Court the following day.

The MRF United Workers Union has alleged the tyre maker pays “permanent workers on a piece-rate basis, while extracting work load at impossible levels of production.”