Workers including of the Viva Global Factory, including women were brutally beaten up with hockey sticks and lathis by goons called in by the Management of Viva Global, the Gurgaon based sweatshop apparel house. The incident happened this morning between 9:30 and 10:00 AM when workers were to enter the premises of the Factory, as part of a tripartite agreement between the Management of Viva Global, the Labour Department and the Garment and Allied Workers Union (GAWU).
The agreement was the outcome of a meeting between the three parties, held on the 23rd of August 2010. The prevention of workers entering the factory, is a serious violation of the above agreement. Besides being beaten, a few workers were abducted in a vehicle by the goondas and taken to an undisclosed destination. At least one worker is still missing.
To protest against the high handedness of the Management of Viva Global and its utter contempt for any laws, rules and rights of workers, the workers of Viva Global have resolved that the President of the GAWU, Ms. Anannya Bhattacharjee will be on an indefinite hunger strike outside the gates of the Viva Global Factory. The hunger strike began today after a notice to this effect was given to the Labour Department. Our demands are :- 1) The abducted workers be immediately brought back. 2) All workers be reinstated and 3) The Management of the Viva Global apologise to the workers. Representatives of the Mazdoor Ekta Manch have also lodged a police complaint against the management for the unprovoked violence on workers and the abduction of workers.
Viva Global is a major supplier of apparel to ‘reputed’ multinational superbrands such as Marks and Spencer. There have been serious violations of labour laws and human rights at the Viva Global Factory. The Management has been using strong arm tactics against union leaders, representatives of workers etc., each time that the workers have demanded that basic amenities and legal wages be given to them. On the 21st of Aug 2010, at 6.00 PM, contract workers were locked out of the Factory in an attempt to illegally terminate them. Other workers (non-contract workers) had then demanded that contract workers be given their rights in terms of notice pay and the PF amount that has already been deducted from their wages. Even on 23rd of August, when workers reported at the gate for duty, they were allowed to to enter the factory. About 15 local goons with pistols had threatened the Union leaders and workers. A group of workers and union activists had then complained about the incident to the Labour Department which led to the tripartite agreement which had resolved : 1) That there would be no goondagiri by the Viva Global Mangement whatsoever, 2) All workers who were locked out would be taken back. Another tripartite meeting is also scheduled for Thursday the 26th of August for further discussions. However, the Management of the Viva Global has already violated the agreement of the 23rd of August.
We would request you to spread the news of the workers struggle at Viva Global. We would look forward to your solidarity and support!
With thanks // Rajeev Singh.
For the Mazdoor Ekta Manch, Gurgaon.
Media Contact: P. Saleena : 9 6 5 0 8 4 8 4 8 0 .
Venue of the Hunger Strike: Viva Global Factory, 413, Udyog Vihar,
Phase – III, Gurgaon – 122 016, Haryana, INDIA
MAZDOOR EKTA MANCH
Plot No. 48, First Floor, Opp. Maruti Gate No.2,
Old Delhi-Gurgaon Road, Gurgaon, Haryana
Phone No. 0124-4385478,9910159352,9958613761, 927828635
