In a recent announcement during the winter session of the legislative assembly, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar declared a compensation of Rs 25 lakh in cash for each affected worker of the General Motors Employees’ Union. However, the offer has ignited controversy as the union, currently engaged in a chain hunger strike for the past 80 days, refuses to call off the protest.
The employee union of General Motors India initiated the hunger strike on October 2, demanding the transfer of all its workers to Hyundai Motor, the company set to acquire the manufacturing facility in Talegaon. General Motors ceased selling its cars in India in 2017, leading to concerns about unemployment among the auto firm workers.
Ajit Pawar’s announcement aimed at recognizing the impact on workers in western Maharashtra and ensuring justice through compensation was met with resistance. Sandeep Bhegade, President of General Motors Employees’ Union, clarified that the union rejects the compensation offer. He emphasized the demand for employee transfers to the new company and urged an immediate meeting with both companies and key government officials to reach a resolution.
The ongoing dispute has led to multiple lawsuits, with the employees’ union and GM engaged in legal battles in industrial courts in Maharashtra, the Bombay High Court, and the Supreme Court.
The Talegaon plant, with an installed capacity of approximately 1.3 lakh units annually, is being sold to Hyundai Motor. However, the controversy arises as 1,000 permanent workers of General Motors are not being hired by the new company, resulting in thousands facing unemployment.
After more than two decades in the Indian market, General Motors halted car sales domestically in 2017 as part of its global restructuring plan.
