With an average of 5,000 to 6,000 COVID-19 cases daily, workers from the manufacturing industries in and around Chennai are gripping under the fear of the virus spread and hence demanding temporary plant shutdowns. However, many automakers continue to operate despite rising cases inside the factory and even some deaths.
According to the state government of Tamil Nadu, continuous process industries such as those manufacturing essential commodities and medical equipment can function during the lockdown between 24 and 31 May 2021.
The automotive industry is perceived to be one among the continuous process industries as they were allowed to run as per the earlier decision. As per the guidelines issued for the lockdown announcement between 10 and 24 May, the manufacturing units that supply components or equipment for the defence sector, manufacturing units of automobiles and components that are used in defence, agriculture and health sectors and manufacturing units that produce packaging materials for all the above categories have been allowed to function during the lockdown.
Mobility Outlook spoke to three different labour union leaders to assess the situation. One of them, on the condition of anonymity said, “Companies are calling people to work on the assembly line. We have been demanding leave to save people from COVID-19. There are around 20-25% workers in each factory who are affected from COVID-19.”
Automakers such as Renault-Nissan, Hyundai Motor India, Yamaha India and Royal Enfield continued to operate until Monday.
On Monday afternoon, Hyundai Motor India management decided to give paid leaves to the workers for five days from May 25th 2021 until 29th May 2021.
In a statement, the company said, “During these difficult times, the company has undertaken several proactive and progressive measures to safeguard the health and ensure the wellbeing of the entire workforce. Considering the prevailing pandemic situation, Hyundai management has decided to temporarily suspend the plant operations for five days, starting from 25 May 2021 until 29 May 2021. However, on Monday (24th May) the plant operated as per schedule.”
One of the people in the know, on the condition of anonymity said, “Few managers have lost their battle due to COVID-19 and there were 300 cases in Hyundai factory alone.” Renault-Nissan workers will go on strike as the company continues to operate.
Soundararajan, President, Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU), “Despite several communications with management of different factories to shut operations and give leave to workers but the company was continuously operating the plant. After agitation, I wrote a letter to the Chief Minister and Labour Minister. There are cases in each and every factory.”
On two-wheeler manufacturing, Yamaha Motor India shut its shops last Friday, i.e May 21, while Royal Enfield continued to operate its manufacturing plant.
According to a Reuters report, Renault-Nissan and its workers are fighting a legal battle after workers filed a petition to shut plant operations due to rising cases of COVID-19.
Only luxury car manufacturer BMW shut its shops even before the lockdown was announced, said one of the union leaders.