Strike-Hit Indian Automaker Resumes Some Production

VOA Breaking News
October 17, 2011 at 9:05 am

India’s largest automaker has resumed limited production at its plant in the north, which had been shut by labor disputes.

Maruti Suzuki on Monday said it hopes to begin talks with workers to end strikes that have cost more than $330 million in lost production at its Manesar plant in the state of Haryana.

Maruti’s main plant in nearby Gurgaon also resumed production, which was halted last week after workers went on strike to support their colleagues in Manesar. The facility makes 2,800 cars a day.

The company, majority owned by Japan’s Suzuki Motors, produces nearly half the cars sold in India and is credited with making affordable cars for a burgeoning middle class.

The carmaker blamed the labor unrest and a slowing Indian economy for a 21 percent drop in September sales.

The striking workers are demanding the company reinstate fired workers.