Industrial Update: Dussehra Sweetness’ for Workers at International Automotive

Pimpri | A significant wage increase agreement has been finalized at the Nighoje and Mahalunge plants of International Automotive Components India Pvt. Ltd., located in the Chakan Industrial Estate. As per the terms of this agreement, permanent workers will receive a wage increase of ₹21,300, members on the company roll will get ₹2,500, and contract workers will receive ₹1,250. The news of this agreement has brought much joy to the workers, who celebrated by distributing sweets and bursting firecrackers in a show of jubilation.

The discussions for the fourth wage increase agreement took place at Hotel Kalasagar in Kasarwadi between representatives of International Automotive Components India Pvt. Ltd. and the Swabhimani Shramik Kamgar Sanghatna.

Following the discussions, the agreement was signed in the presence of MLA Mahesh Landge, the chief advisor to the union, along with other key figures such as Rohidas Gade, leader of the Swabhimani Shramik Kamgar Sanghatna, Jeevan Yelwande, president of the union, and Sunil Koparkar, the Managing Director of the company.

The wage agreement, which spans a three-year period from April 1, 2024, to March 31, 2027, includes provisions for various worker benefits. Notably, 65 contract workers who are members of the union will be added to the company roll and given permanent employment. Workers who are already on the roll will receive a wage increase of ₹2,500, while contract workers will receive an increment of ₹1,250. The management has also promised to regularize the remaining contract workers in future agreements.

Prominent union leaders and representatives such as Krishna Rohokale (General Secretary), Raghunath More (Secretary), Amrit Chaudhary (Treasurer), Prashant Padekar, Raju Bhotre, Sanjay Patil, Mahadev Yelwande, Ravindra Bhalerao, Dattatray Gaware, Bhattu Patil, Kundan Sonawane, Sanjay Badhale, Baburao Pote, Dutta Kandalakar, Shrikant Patil from the Nashik unit, Sachin Landge (Plant 1 Unit President), Pravin Gawane, Vinod Daundkar, Amit Dudhane, Dhananjay Zhaparde, and Umesh Wadekar (Plant 2 Unit President) were present at the meeting. On behalf of the management, key personnel such as Deepali Khairnar, Aniket Nilekar, Anil Kumbhar, Mahesh Sawant, Pawan Malshe, Vishwanath Patil, Mayur Patil, Sinoj Mathew, Yogesh Salunkhe, and Prithviraj Desai attended the event.

Anil Kumbhar introduced the program, while Pooja Thigale conducted it. The vote of thanks was delivered by Treasurer Amrit Chaudhary.

Key Points of the Wage Increase Agreement:

• Total Wage Increase: ₹21,300, distributed as 60% in the first year, 20% in the second year, and 20% in the third year.
• Mediclaim Policy: ₹12 lakhs for a family of four, covering one person up to ₹3 lakhs. This includes the worker’s wife and children.
• Death Assistance Scheme: In the unfortunate event of a worker’s death, the company will double the amount collected from a day’s wages of all workers and provide the sum to the worker’s heir.
• Group Accident Policy: The company will provide the worker’s heir with an amount equivalent to 72 times the monthly gross salary in the event of an accident.
• Term Insurance Policy: In the event of a worker’s death (whether natural or accidental, inside or outside the company), the worker’s heir will receive four times the worker’s annual gross salary.
• Leave Entitlement: Workers are entitled to 21 days of Paid Leave (PL), 12 days of Sick Leave (SL), 12 days of Casual Leave (CL), and 11 Public Holidays (PH). Election leave will be granted in accordance with government orders.
• Diwali Bonus: All workers will receive a Diwali bonus equivalent to 20% of their salary.
• Annual Gathering: The company will organize an annual gathering for workers and their families in an improved format each year.
• Variable Dearness Allowance: This will be provided as per government regulations.
• Outstanding Workers Award: Every year, two workers from Plant 1 and Plant 2 will receive a cash prize of ₹10,000 each.
• Service Award Scheme: Each worker will receive the equivalent of six months’ wage difference in their September paycheck.