Date:13/01/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/01/13/stories/2006011306200400.htm

Karnataka - Bangalore

Stalemate continues at Toyota Kirloskar

Staff Reporter

Bangalore: Thursday's talks between the Toyota Kirloskar Motor Employees' Union and the company were fruitful as the management asked for more time to consider suggestions made by the Labour Department.

The management and the union held separate meetings with the Labour Department to resolve issues concerning the workers, who have been on strike since January 6, to protest against the dismissal of three union members and the company's decision to declare lockout on January 8 in response to the strike.

Speaking to The Hindu , Centre of Indian Trade Union State Committee General Secretary Meenakshi Sundaram said the management has not accepted suggestions made by the Labour Department. They include lifting the lockout immediately and keeping in abeyance the decision to dismiss the three workers until the court decides on the matter. The union has been requested to end the strike.

He said the suggestions include measures to end alleged victimisation of the employees. "Though the union has agreed to the suggestion of the Labour Department (to call off the strike), the management has sought time till January 16 when a meeting will be held," he added.