RIFT AT TOYOTA-KIRLOSKAR PLANT: A RECURRENT HISTORY OF LABOUR UNREST

Abstract

The Toyota Kirloskar Manufacturing Unit situated in Karnataka made headlines in the month
of November 2020 after the workers of the plant declared strike which was followed by a
lockout by the management and the bust-up went on for about four long months. However,
the pertinent question is whether it is the first instance of labour unrest at this plant, or is it
a periodic custom at this plant? Since its inception (1997-1998), the Toyota Manufacturing
Unit has experienced numerous strikes and lockouts by the workers and management,
respectively. The Toyota Production System, that guides the manufacturing process of all
Toyota Plants globally, practices a rigorous control over its workers undermining
occupational safety and has often been described as inhumane by the researchers. On a
closer analysis the main issues behind all the instances of labour unrest involve better
conditions at work, contractualisation and better wages. The State Government has often
favoured the company through low-interest loans, relaxed pollution control norms, etc.,
turning a blind eye to the labour conditions. In the wake of international and domestic
Labour Unions’ pressure, the management reluctantly tried to resolve the disputes in order to resume the work. However, considering the present strike, it seems that the resolutions
were merely a band-aid solution and, the management failed to address the root cause of
the problem over the years.
This paper presents an analysis of the blatant violations of International Conventions and
domestic laws by the management of the Toyota Kirloskar Manufacturing Unit that paints
an abysmal picture of labour conditions.