Case Title:

Jet Airways Labour Dispute: Trade Unions and Indias Labour Conundrum
Publication Year : 2009 Authors: Vivek M.V Dr. Nagendra V Chowdary Industry: Services Region:India Case Code: HRM0049 Teaching Note: Available Structured Assignment: Available

Abstract: Disputes in domestic and multinational companies in India are on a rise since 2008. It is not sure whether the labour unrest is here to stay or it is just a side effect of the toppled economy. Citing a plethora of faults with employers, the labour community, represented by various organisations ranging from local trade unions to officers associations continuously engaged themselves in strikes and protests. Indian economy which is about to lean heavily on service sector would get affec ted if the problem is not solved soon. While Jet Airways pilots went on a strike for 5 days, there were millions of passengers who landed up in trouble. The results? Bad reputation for both the company and the employees plus great monetary loss. While I ndias age old labour laws stand safeguarding the interests of the supposedly less powerful employee community with a few amendments over the years, ironically, the labour unrest is growing in the country. Is it time to modify Indias labour laws? Who is on the wrong side, employees or employers? The case study deals with the labour laws in India and its effect and influence in the modern day trade unions and businesses. Explaining the case of Jet Airways labour dispute in 2009, the case brings in the issues of increasing labour discontent and makes a case for why a major reform in labour legislations is required. Pedagogical Objectives:

To understand the need and importance of Indian labour laws and have an overview of all the laws related to Indian workers To discuss the causes of increase in labour disputes in India in general and that of Jet Airways in particular To discuss and debate on all the possible ways of and means to resolve the impasse between Jet Airways retrenched pilots and Jet Airways management and to address the standoff amicably

To discuss and debate on labour relations in India and the influence of Trade Union Act 1926. Keywords : Labour Unions in India, Indian Labour Laws, Rigid labour Laws in India, National Avaitors Guild, Labour Laws, Trade Unions, Trade Union Act 1926, Industrial Disputes, Strikes and lockouts, Jet Airways, Pilots Strike Contents:

Indian Labour Disputes Jet Airways: A Wrong Take Off An Excerpt of the Interaction between Management and Sacked Pilot Excerpt from the Interview with Sam Thomas

Labour Relations: Time to Rethink? Flaws in Laws? India's Central Labour Laws

Case Title:

Labour Unrest at Toyota: The Decision Dilemma

Publication Year : 2006 Authors: Supratim Majumdar Industry: Automobiles Region:Japan Case Code: HRM0036K Teaching Note: Not Available Structured Assignment: Not Available

Abstract: Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC), the worlds second largest automobile manufacturer, had entered into the Indian market in 1997 through a joint venture with Kirloskar Group. The new entity was called Kirloskar Motor Private Limited (TKM). TKM established its manufacturing facility at Bidadi near Bangalore in the Indian state of Karnataka. The case deals with the labour unrest in the Bidadi plant. The workers of the plant went on strike, which was followed by a lockout by the company. The conciliation process failed to resolve the dispute. Hence, the government, in order to maintain its investor-friendly image, prohibited the strike. On receiving the news, the company lifted the lockout, but placed the condition that workers resuming duty will have to sign a good conduct declaration. The declaration stated that the workers would, henceforth, maintain discipline in the plant and ensure full production. The union agreed to call off the strike, but declined to sign the declaration. The company, however, strictly mentioned that if the workers did not sign the declaration, they would not be allowed to enter the plant. According to the union representatives, if both the parties remained rigid on their stands, it would again lead to lockout. TKM management was in a dilemma over handling the situation. The case discusses in detail, the dispute between the TKM management and the workers union and the developments with respect to it. It will help the students to discuss on the possible ways of resolving the dispute by the management. Pedagogical Objectives:

To discuss about the issues of labour unrest at Toyotas Bidadi plant To discuss about the governments intervention to resolve the dispute To discuss on the initiatives taken by Toyota Motor To debate on Toyotas decision dilemma.

Keywords : Toyota Motor Corporation, Kirloskar Group, Toyota Kirloskar Motor, Strike, Lockout, Conciliation process, Misconduct, Disciplinary action, Suspension, HRM Case Study, Dismissal of labour, Labour court, Trade Union, Industrial dispute, Industrial peace and harmony Contents:

Toyota India The conflict The new turn Government intervention The decision dilemma Strike & lockout under the industrial dispute act, 1947