According to media reports, Ford India has announced to shut its Chennai plant for three days from Friday to Sunday following workers’ protest.
Today, few workers boycotted the lunch and staged a sit-in protest urging the company to address their COVID-19 related demand. The Union has urged the company to pay a compensation of Rs. 1 crore each to the kin of two workers, who died after testing positive for COVID-19.
According to the Workers’ Union, over 230 workers have been infected by the COVID virus to date and the Union demands from management to cover the entire medical expenses of the workers.
Workers also sought for the plant to be closed during the intense COVID-19 lockdown period, with paid leave for workers.
Ford had earlier suspended operations from May 12 till May 24 and resumed it this week.
Other companies like Hyundai, Renault-Nissan, and Royal Enfield have also suspended operations till May 30, amid workers expressing concerns over their safety due to the spread of the second wave of COVID-19. The unions have urged the entire auto industry to be shut during the intense lockdown period.