1. www.peoplematters.in

2. www.peoplematters.in
There is a common strand that connects L. K. Chaudhary, Roy J George and Awanish
Kumar Dev. Be it the case of Chaudhary who was India division Chief Executive Officer
(CEO) and Managing Director at Italian auto parts maker Graziano Trasmissioni Spa, or
George who served as Vice-President (HR) at auto instruments maker Pricol Ltd, or
more recently that of Dev who was the General Manager, Human Resources at Maruti
Suzuki India Ltd; all three – white collar company executives – died at the hands of
militant workers on factory premises. These cases bring to fore the ugly face of industrial
unrest and labor violence. The continuous and escalating worker-management
confrontation are reasons enough to look at the deeper malaise – social, political and
economic; the bedrock of the gruesome violence.
Whatever the provocation, and however justified the workers’ grievances, such
instances of violence are deplorable.

3. www.peoplematters.in
As the dark side of labor militancy comes back to haunt Indian business, it raises serious
questions about the role of trade unions and industrial relations amidst changing workforce
aspirations. Can employers come to terms with this new reality?
•The contract labor (Regulation and Abolition) Act, 1970 is woefully inadequate to meet the
challenges of the present day economic ecosystem.
•The end result of the government’s apathy in coming out with proper reforms is that workers
end up suffering because of the fallout of laws originally designed to protect their interests.
•Trade union activists reason that a majority of the protests in last 2-3 years in the Gurgaon -
Manesar belt are due to companies’ unwillingness to allow formation of labor unions.
•A sustained two way communication in a transparent environment leaves no scope for
mistrust and misunderstandings, thereby minimizing any untoward distress.

4. www.peoplematters.in
“As I see it, I feel that the main
reason for the increasing
We need to have a relook at our
frequency of labor disputes employee relations; a relationship that
seems to be the lack of trust” is based on mutual trust. It is important
for organizations to realize that the
fundamental aspect of management is
human relationship and hence, efforts
must be made to build robust
relationship. The credibility of the
management philosophy can be
established when it is seen by the
employees to be objective, transparent
and at the same time firm and fair. We
need to have a relook at our employee
relations; a relationship that is based
on mutual trust. It is important for
organizations to realize that the
fundamental aspect of management is
human relationship and hence, efforts
must be made to build robust
relationship.
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Industries react…
Corporate India must urgently focus on building a sense of community at the
workplace and treating people fairly.
Anil Sachdev, Fouder & CEO, School of Inspired Leadership
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If a ‘strong and swift action’ is not taken against those involved in this
crime, it will encourage many others to resort to similar violent tactics.”
Dr. Aquil Busrai, CEO, Aquil Busrai Consulting
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The need of the hour is for labor and management to focus on making
Indian manufacturing globally competitive through continuous
partnership for a more sustainable growth scenario.
Dr. Arvind N. Agrawal, President, Corporate Development & Human
Resources, RPG Enterprises
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Industries react…
Labor reforms must focus on managing aspirations of working class through
skill development , fair play and participation.
Bimal Rath, Founder, Think Talent
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We are headed for a nation where some states are vastly more
industrialized than others, and these will ensure positive climate for both
businesses and workforce.
Gurprriet Singh, Managing Consultant, YSC India
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The HR profession must rise to the occasion and refocus on building a
true, genuine, consultative employee relationship across the workforce.
Dr. Chandrasekhar Spriada, VP & Head HR, IBM India & South Asia
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7. www.peoplematters.in
Industries react…
Our current labor law not only violates the fundamental right of every India
to work, but retards organized sector job creation, encourages capital
substitution of labor and creates a labor aristocracy.
Manish Sabharwal, CEO, TeamLease
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It is a clear case of law and order as it appears that a few people took law
in their own hands, instigated others and resorted to violence.
Dr. P. V. R. Murthy, CEO, Exclusive Search Recruitment
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The direction of labor reform must follow the demographics of a
developing economy.
Marcel R. Parker, Chairman, IKYA Human Capital Solutions
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8. www.peoplematters.in
Industries react…
We will win over violence - immediately perhaps not, but definitely.
Pankaj Bansal, Co-founder & CEO, PeopleStrong
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It is a clear case of law and order as it appears that a few people took law in
their own hands, instigated others and resorted to violence.
Prabhakar L., Vice President, Human Resources, Agri-Business, Division, ITC
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Inadequate focus by the leadership to proactively listen and respond to
workforce issues drives the latter more into the arms of the unions.
Prabir Jha, Senior VP & Head HR, Tata Motors
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Industries react…
What is the disparity that arises from bottom level to the highest level?
Prince Augustin, Executive VP, Group Human Capital & Leadership
Development, Mahindra & Mahindra
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The fraternity would need to address the entire spectrum of stakeholders, be
it the government, HR bodies, corporates, unions, student fraternity, global
investors, etc.
N.S. Rajan, Partner & Global Practice Leader, People & Organization, Ernst &
Young
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The attempt by some , especially multi nationals, to discourage unionization
has added to the volatility of IR, and their preferred tactic is to employ
workers on contract.
Rajesh Rai, Director, Human Resources, Expedia India
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10. www.peoplematters.in
Industries react…
It is important to be able to continue to provide the right environment for
industries to flourish and take the country to greater heights.
Ritu Anand, VP & Deputy Head HR, Tata Consultancy Services
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In my view both the words collective and bargaining in a negotiation context
are based on mistrust which is completely out of place in contemporary
working in today’s era.
Sharad Gangal, Executive VP (HR/IR/Admn), Thermax
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The first and foremost priority should be to bring about a change in the
perspective of the government to distinguish between a criminal act and an
IR issue.
R. P. Singh, Director (HR & Legal), IFFCO
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11. www.peoplematters.in
Industries react…
The labor law framework has to be rebalanced to reflect that reality, ensure
right standards are maintained, and indiscipline/violations are dealt with
swiftly and objectively.
Sonali Roychowdhury, Country Head, P & G
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The trade union system in India also requires a serious review & re-
orientation of its approach to monitor, manage & advocate the cause of the
contract workmen in this country.
Sujoy Banerjee, President – Group HR & OD, McNally Bharat Engineering
Company
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Any labor union or it’s members’ act of protest or violence of this nature is a
heinous act and is beyond comprehension of any civilized society.
Yashwant Mahadik, Head Human Resources, India Subcontinent, Philips
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12. www.peoplematters.in
Industries react…
The authorities need to clinically identify the root cause and the
perpetuators, and then deal with them forcefully and surgically.
S. Varadarajan, Executive President – HR, Tata Teleservices
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Violence, whatever may be the provocation, can never be the means to a solution.
Stakeholders must understand that human values, dignity and respect must stand
above all. The fate meted out to L. K. Chaudhary, Roy J. George and Awanish Kumar
Dev is a cruel reminder that resorting to violence in the garb of labor dispute is
shocking and unpardonable, human regression at its most deplorable nadir – an act
that puts an entire nation to shame.

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Labor Violence – A blot on modern India
August 2012
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