INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
production in Tamil Nadu plant despite workers'protestsRenault-Nissan has told an Indian court it needs to continue production at its
vehicle plant to satisfy orders, turning down claims from a worker union that COVID-19 security protocols were being overlooked at the
factory, legal filings show.Renault-Nissan India and employees at its plant in Tamil Nadu have been secured a legal tussle after workers
petitioned a court to stop operations because social distancing standards were being broken and company-provided health benefits were
exceeded by the danger to their lives.In action, Renault-Nissan has argued in a court filing-which is not public- that there was a engaging
requirement to continue operations to satisfy domestic and export orders
It said all COVID-19 norms were being followed.The case will next be heard on Monday at the Madras High Court when the state government,
which is also party to the case, is anticipated to submit its response.A top Tamil Nadu state authorities told Reuters on Sunday automobile
business will be enabled to continue operations, however action will be taken against violations of social distancing protocols by any
company.The legal battle highlights the obstacles big companies are dealing with to keep running in India amid heightened concerns from
employees who fear for their health and safety
It is a concern of life versus income, M Moorthy, basic secretary of Renault Nissan India workers union which represents all 3,500 long-term
factory employees, informed Reuters
We simply desire social distancing protocols to be followed and the management to be accountable for any risks to the workers or their
The factory, which produces Nissan, Renault and Datsun cars, also staff members 3,000 agreement workers, 2,500 staff members and 700
apprentices.Nissan, which has a majority stake in the Renault-Nissan India plant, declined to comment for this article.India is currently
facing its 2nd wave of coronavirus infections
Tamil Nadu is one of the worst hit states taping more than 30,000 cases each day.The state, an auto hub called as India's Detroit , has
imposed a complete lockdown till May 31 but has actually enabled some factories, consisting of automobiles, to continue
operating.Renault-Nissan's May 16 court filing shows it has pending export orders of about 35,000 lorries for the May-October period,
which if not satisfied could lead to charges and loss of organization
It likewise has 45,000 pending domestic bookings for the just recently introduced Nissan Magnite and Renault Kiger cars.The business's
petition states it has always prioritised employee security and has left no stone unturned to guarantee the infection does not spread out
The travelling public think about personal lorries as a safe mode of travel ..
there is a compelling need for the state to guarantee the continued operations of the auto makers, the petition stated.
