A Multinational Company specialized in food processing has been operating in
India for about 3 decades. The Company has recently decided to expand its
production. It was decided to shift the factory to a new location about 20 kms
away from its present site. As the workers transferred to the new site were living
in town, the union demanded an increase of Rs. 60/- per month in the salary, but
the Company offered to give Rs. 25/- only to cover the transport cost.
When the plant was being shifted to the new site, negotiations went on
uninterrupted between the Management and the Union on this issue. However
both the parties could not come to a settlement even after 6 months.
The Management was firm on their decision even though the union indicated
some flexibility. The Union refused to compromise fully on the issue. They
adopted go-slow tactics to pressurize the Management. The production wentdown drastically, but still the Management was firm on their stand. In the
meanwhile the Management charge-sheeted some of the Trade Union leaders and
suspended them pending enquiry.
Questions:
1. Analyse the case given above and elucidate the problem and causes.
2. Do you justify the Management’s decision? If Yes/No- why?
3. Are the workers right in their approach? Comment.
As a General Manager – HR of this Company how would you resolve the Problem?
Answers
Answer:
A Multinational Company specialised in food processing has been operating in India for about 3 decades. The Company has recently decided to expand its production. It was decided to shift the factory to a new location about 20 kms. away from its present site. As the workers transferred to the new site were living in town, the union demanded an increase of Rs. 60/- per month in the salary, but the Company offered to give Rs. 25/- only to cover the transport cost. When the plant was being shifted to the new site, negotiations went on uninterrupted between the Management and the Union on this issue. However both the parties could not come to a settlement even after 6 months. The Management was firm on their decision even though the union indicated some flexibility. The Union refused to compromise fully on the issue. They adopted go-slow tactics to pressurize the Management. The production went down drastically, but still the Management was firm on their stand. In the meanwhile the Management charge-sheeted some of the Trade Union leaders and suspended them pending enquiry.