As the struggle goes on, the Siemens Workers’ Union (SWU) has sent an update of its view of the situation to the IG Metall. Like the Central Works Council and German management, we ultimately have no reliable means to unequivocally verify the often-contradictory statements and mutual accusations from both sides. However, given the longstanding good cooperation with SWU, it seems appropriate to at least present their account.

SWU is the only recognised union in Siemens India Ltd. and has, for example, signed several wage settlements. The union insists that, even in struggles for workers’ rights, it has always kept sight of the business needs and supported the Company during challenging times.

Employees of Siemens India’s subsidiary C&S Electric in Haridwar, Uttarakhand, became members of SWU and then raised a charter of demands. SWU now accuses the local management of having responded to this charter with suspensions and transfers of several affected employees; it adds that its attempts to contact the responsible company officials have been ignored: “While our e-mails remain unanswered, the company has started to spread false rumours that it has started talks with the Union.”

As stated before, the IG Metall has no reliable means to verify these statements. However, we do know the Siemens Workers’ Union and have no reason to mistrust it. On the other side, it seems very difficult to get hard proof of the accusations.

Following the development described above, there were several exchanges between the SWU and the Indian management – without any significant progress. In Germany, the works council and P&O also looked into the matter to help finding a way out of it. Those efforts got stuck again at different information coming from India.

In the meantime, the conflict kept going or even escalating. For example, according to the SWU, the union was called an “imposter” by the company in a communication with the Labour Commissioner. Much worse, there is the reproach of C&S management at Haridwar allegedly harassing workers. According to the management in Germany, the allegations have been thoroughly investigated in accordance with standard procedures; action has been taken where necessary.

After a long conflict without significant progress, the SWU’s bitter conclusion is that the company in India is “against workers, it is against the Constitution of India and it violates the International Framework Agreement”.

Once more: The IG Metall cannot verify different information coming from India. Nevertheless, we do appeal to all concerned parties to put together a joint effort to clarify the situation and act according to the results. We are ready to help in every possible way.