Protests and strikes that automotive industry in India is dealing with: Maruti Manesar plant strike and stir against toll taxes collection

Raj Thackeray, leader of Maharashtra Navnirman Sena has raised objections against collection of toll tax. He and his party are not against such collections but are demanding transparency on all amounts collected. He reiterates that such collection of toll is unnecessary as costs have already been recovered and hence the party had recently gone on a rampage demanding its closure. As per international standards, toll taxes need to be collected only till costs have been recovered.

After that toll should be limited to costs of repairs and maintenance of roads which should equate to a negligible amount. Tolls were introduced in Mumbai in the 1990's when various flyovers and new roads were coming up across Mumbai and Thane. Thackeray has stationed his party workers at toll booths to estimate average amounts collected and they have surmised that across the Pune Mumbai highway, daily collection should be to the tune of Rs.1.37 crores which equates to Rs.456 crores annually. MNS have been warned against such anti toll tax drive but they are not bowing down to such threats and continue with their agitation and have even organized morchas across the city of Mumbai while have also put up various hoardings in this regard.

Thackeray has urged citizens to desist from paying toll till there is transparency in the collection process. Payment of such toll taxes are uncalled for an unwarranted specially in the light of the pitiable road conditions and the fact that these roads are already taking a major toll on the condition of vehicles. This sort of standoff, and engagement in acts that create tense situations isn't new to India. The Maruti Manesar plant has continuously been plagued by lockouts and production loss in the past 20 months. Until there is a strict need to follow a code of conduct, India will continue being held at ransom time and again by varied political groups. Highways, exit entry points, and toll plazas are heavy traffic areas and the last thing one needs is an added bottleneck in the form of coordinated protesters.

Maruti Manesar plant: 1 killed, 40 injured, 80 arrested, car production halted indefinitely

The largest car manufacturer in India, is once again in news, for all the wrong reasons. At their infamous plant in Manesar, Haryana, worker - management scuffle began once again earlier yesterday. The result was a kind of violence that was not seen earlier in history - 1 killed, 40 injured, 80 arrested and no production since yesterday.

Three Japanese executives were also among the 40 injured when Maruti Suzuki workers at Manesar plant went on a rampage. Agitated workers even set fire to the firm's office. The trouble which commenced at noon yesterday ensued after management suspended a worker following an altercation with a senior supervisor. Workers on duty at the plant allege that the supervisor on duty passed a casteist remark which provoked the worker to slap the supervisor after which mayhem developed. The company shut down its plant on Wednesday and police have arrested 80 workers.

A mob of around 3000 people collected at Gate No.2 of the plant and set fire to an office around 6.30pm after second shift came to a close. 25 fire engines were rushed to the factory premises and though the fire was extinguished by 8.00 pm smoke still billowed out right upto 11.00 pm. The company has blamed workers for starting the fire due to which one person was burnt to death and several others injured.

This fresh tussle will further escalate ongoing struggle between new labor union and management. Sources have stated that atmosphere in the factory premises is grim and even though Maruti management and Haryana Government are trying to bring about a quick settlement.