Changing Dimensions in IR- Need for New Strategy: Lessons to Be Learnt From Maruti Violence

Labour unrest in the country is steadily leadingto violence. The protests of the workers against theiremployers are not confined to the peaceful carrying out ofprocessions. Strikes have become the bane of society. Thegap between the workers and the management is growingwith each passing day and thus leading to violentincidents. Poor living conditions of contract workers inindustrial clusters could be blamed for the recent troublesat Manesar, which saw a major violence at Maruti's plant.So lesson learnt is that there is a need to introspect thereasons behind such violent acts and to reformulate andproperly execute HR policies so that such terrific acts canbe avoided. The need of the hour is personal touchbetween the management and workers and timely redressof grievances. Labour reforms is a long-pending issue andyet another symptom of policy paralysis that has engulfedthe wider polity. Unless our political and corporate classshows greater resolve and will to carry forward reformsagenda in the labour market, there is every possibility thatwhatever progress India has made in past two decadeswould be lost. Organizations must create a workplaceenvironment based on transparent conversation so thatemployees do not have to seek help from unions.