Toyota workers agree to discuss over the wage issue

Toyota’s workers have said they "are open to discussions" on the remuneration dispute that resulted in a lockout at the company’s manufacturing facility in Bidadi. Workers further demand the company to withdraw the suspension of workers and voted against company’s insistence to abide by the “good conduct agreement."

"We are open to discussions (over wages) and we think both sides can come to an amicable solution," Toyota Kirloskar Workers Union president Prasanna Kumar, told a newspaper.

"We won't remain stuck on Rs 4,000 as monthly salary increase. The management is willing to offer an increase of Rs 3,050. With the company not open to accept either of the two demands, "it will take time" before any resolution can be reached with Toyota," he said. 

Currently Toyota has begun limited operations at its plant with the help of around 300 non-unionised employees. They are currently making 60-80 cars a day which is a jaded number as compared to its output of 550 cars a day, in February, according to a representative of the union.

It seems like it may take a while before this issue is resolved completely, and the stir at the plant continues for a twelfth day in a row. 

Source: ET