Mysuru: “Transparent discussion between Management and Union will always make the industry strong. Unless the industry is strong we will not be able to generate money and employment; only when we generate employment that too in competitive environment the country can progress,” said N. Muthukumar, Immediate Past Chairman, CII Karnataka and President and Whole Time Director, Automotive Axles Limited.

Speaking during an interaction organised by CII, Mysuru chapter on ‘Progressive Approach for Industrial Relations with Management and Trade Union Leaders’ at Hotel Southern Star recently, he said “This is the fourth year in a row that CII is organising meeting between Trade Unions and Management to understand certain basic principles which helps in peaceful industrial environment.

Earlier we used to hear about strike in this sector, but CII strongly believes that these types of difference in opinion come because of lack of trust between Trade Unions and Management. Our objective is to have both of them on same platform, discuss broader issues to make their company and country competitive.”

H. Mahadevan, Working President of AITUC and Deputy General Secretary of World Forum of Trade Unions, who also spoke on the occasion said, “Many Supreme Court decisions including the latest decision that all temporary workers who are on contract or casual worker entitled to the minimum wages of the industry’s permanent workmen, are not being implemented. Laws which are there are not implemented and not allowed to be implemented also. Minimum wages, Recognition of Unions, Typical forms of employment, are three issues which are currently there and will be there in future as well.”

“Surprisingly, 1957 Indian labour conference came out with certain norms which are yet to be implemented. There cannot be social dialogue unless there is no role of Trade Union. In the days to come our approach is first follow the international convention, and then follow the laws and have bipartism as a tool,” he added.

Meenakshi Sundaram, General Secretary, CITU, Karnataka said that unionisation in unorganised industry is just 10 percent.

 CII Mysuru Vice-Chairman Amit Kumar and Business Unit Head – Metering & Protection Systems, Larsen & Toubro Limited,  said, “For any country’s progress, industry’s progress is very important. For industry to grow in the country, the atmosphere in shop floor needs to be conducive. For that employees play an important role. Trade Union leaders also play very important role on this. Mysuru industry has grown over the years but has a long way to go to catch up with bigger industry.”

 A.C. Narendra, Advocate and Management Consultant, who moderated the session, proposed a few issues including Falcon Tyre issue for discussion with Management and Union.

D. Satheesh Kumar, Vice-President – Operations, Rane Madras, also spoke on management perspective on progressive approach on industrial relations and mentioned that, healthy dialogues between the stakeholders will only bring in harmony in the industrial relations.

Earlier, K. Anantha Gowda, Convenor, HR Panel CII Mysuru, and GM – HR, Jubilant Generics Limited, welcomed. Gopal Krishna Sastry, Co-Convenor, HR-IR Panel, CII Mysuru and GM-HR/Admin, Wuerth Elektronik India, proposed a vote of thanks.