IR Highlights of 2012
As we come to end of
the year 2012, I wish all the readers “Happy New Year 2013”. This article
focuses on the Industrial Relation Crisis that took place across the world in
2012, which would help the readers to gain information and insights regarding
the IR issues.
Labor unrest across the
world is increasing at an alarming rate which leads to strike and lock outs.
According to the Labor Bureau data the first five months of the 2012 recorded
108 industrial disputes, which is 12 % high when compared with 2011. Between
January and May around 97 disputes were registered and it cost a total loss of
9, 60,089 man-days. While looking at a bigger picture on these IR issues there
is a striking similarity between most of the unrests which was demanded for
higher wages and better working conditions.
June 2012, work stalled
at the two main units of Arvind Mills in Gujarat, India. Around 4000 workers
were unwilling to work until the company announces a wage hike.
June 08, 2012, around
500 workmen of Hitachi Home and Life Solution situated in Kadi Gujarat India
went on strike for 40 days demanding for permanent employment.
July 18,2012 can be
marked as the black day for the HR fraternity. The violent labor unrest in
Maruti Suzuki India, Manesar plant in Haryana which caused a huge loss to the
company and the General Manager HR- Awanish Kumar Dev was burnt to death by
mob.
July 2012- the
IOCL plant in Paradip, Orissa – India
experienced a work halt because of the prolonged labor unrest.
August 08, 2012- Honda’s
Manesar plant in Haryana received a new wave of labor unrest.
August 10, 2012 around
3000 rock drillers at the Marikana mine of Lonmin PLC in Rustenburg, South
Africa stalled working at the mines demanding for higher wages. Around ten people were killed in the clash at
the platinum mine between the rival unions the National Union of
Mineworkers(NUM) and Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union(AMCU).
September 13, 2012 due to
the labor agitations at the Carnations factory in Howrah, Kolkatta India, the work was suspended.
September 25, 2012 –
Apple’s iPhone assembler in China, Foxconn Technology Group experienced labor
agitations. The workers protested against increased pressure and demanded to
improve working conditions.
First ever strike in
WalMart stores in Los Angeles area. Around 88 workers walked out of the stores
demanding better working conditions and better wages.
October 2012, Employees
of Kingfisher Airlines stalled their work because of the non-payment of
salaries for the months March to May 2012. Employees are unwilling to join the
work until their salaries are paid.
October 05,2012 Nehru
Port (Nhava Sheva) top container handler of India was threatened by workers to shut
down. Their demand was reinstatement of four workers which include three union
leaders, who were fired in May for taking industrial action.
Author : Subburam N.N
College : Amrita School
of Business, Bangalore
Email id :
subburamnn@gmail.com
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