India workers call on Ford to settle their COVID demands

Chennai: About 900 workers of Ford India Private Ltd on Thursday boycotted their lunch asking for an early settlement of their Covid-19 related demands.

"About 900 workers boycotted lunch today (Thursday) at the plant. We want the company management to complete the talks early. We felt the management is delaying the talks," a Union official said as reported by IANS.

The workers of Ford India have requested the company to treat them as frontline Covid warriors and provide them with compensation if anyone dies due to Covid-19.

This is in the background of over 200 Covid positive cases and two deaths reported at Ford India Private Ltd's car plant where around 2,700 workers are reportedly risking their life amid Covid to roll out cars.

They demanded the company compensation of Rs.50 lakh to their family if anyone dies of Covid-19.

"The company can take out a life insurance policy or payout of its pocket," a Ford India Union Official told IANS.

Also, requests have been made to the management to implement social distancing norms like 50 per cent occupancy in factory buses, a four-metre gap between tables in the canteen, sensor-based taps and others.

"The management has been responsive to our requests. In turn, they have asked us to support one-shift operation," the Union official added.

Apparently, the factory started its operations on May 24 after being closed on May 11. Prior to that, the plant was closed between May 1 and 5.