The Hindu Business Line : Toyota Kirloskar declares lockout at Bidadi plant

TOYOTA Kirloskar Motor Ltd has declared lockout for an indefinite period at its Bidadi car plant as a section of its workers continued to strike work.

The lockout was to ensure the safety of all concerned including those on strike, Toyota Kirloskar Motor said in a statement. Prior to that, the tense situation had eased after the striking workers left the premises peacefully this afternoon. "This was possible due to restrained efforts by the police and the management," it said.

Conciliatory talks are on through the Deputy Labour Commissioner, who has called a meeting on Monday. "We hope we will resolve this as early as possible," the spokesman said.

The strike that began on Friday comes at a time when the Japanese auto major is deciding the location for its second facility in India to make small cars. The Karnataka Government has approved Toyota's proposal to put up a Rs 1,147-crore plant at Bidadi, near the existing plant, on 400 acres of land. The new proposal speaks of production of 1.5 lakh compact cars and creation of 2,600 jobs.

As many as 1,550 of Toyota Kirloskar Motor's 2,350 employees are in the union. On Friday evening, the workers went on a snap strike, which the management termed `illegal' in the absence of the stipulated 14-day notice. They were seeking re-instatement of three employees who were dismissed last year after inquiry.