Maruti Workers to Fight Relentlessly for Justice

Majdur Adhikar Sangharsh Abhiyaan held a demonstration today, 31st March, at Jantar Mantar.   It was to protest against the judgment, given by Sessions Court, Gurgaon on 10th March, in which 31 workers are convicted. 13 out of these have been convicted with murder and given life sentence .Other 18 have been convicted under various charges such as trespassing, unlawful assembly, mischief, rioting and possession of deadly weapons.  117 workers who were under arrest for at least 31 months or more have been acquitted of all charges.

Today’s demonstration by the workers was to reject the judgment. Prominent members of various trade unions and organisations joined in solidarity including Center for Indian Trade Unions (CITU), IFTU, AIWC .Family member of a few of the convicted workers also joined the protest; they were determined to fight till the end to get justice. The workers demanded a proper and meticulous investigation on the 18 July 2012 incident at Maruti-Suzuki Limited’s Manesar plant, in which a manager lost his life.

12 out of the 13 who have been given life imprisonment were office bearers of the Union. They had led the workers’ struggle for better working conditions in the Maruti factories.  The 13th is Jiyalal a Dalit worker, who had filed a complaint on 18th July, 2012. He faced caste abuse from one of the managers. His complaint ignited the whole struggle.

In today’s protest one of their demands was for compensation and rehabilitation of the acquitted. They also demanded release of the rest of the workers. They claim that there wasn’t strong evidence against the workers. Hence, this judgment has been given to oppress and silence trade unions and in the interest of private investors. Other demands were, to end contractual appointment of workers, better working conditions and dignity of labour. Maruti workers struggle shows the unity of trainees, apprentices and permanent employees.  

The high court did not grant the bail in order to protect the ‘investors’ concerns’. This judgment displays the government and judiciary’s apathy towards the working class. It sends the message that caste abuse is irrelevant and trade unions will not be allowed to function as it dents investor confidence.