Maruti Suzuki’s Manesar strike
It was an eventful year in the world of finance and business, one that actively involved all three actors: the government, people and even the common man. From violent employee agitations to controversial reform proposals and volatile economic indicators, we compile the twelve defining news events of 2012.
On July 18, Maruti's Manesar plant was hit by violence as workers at one of its auto factories attacked supervisors and started a fire that killed a company official and injured 100 managers, including two Japanese expatriates. The violent mob also injured nine policemen.
The company's general manager of human resources had both arms and legs broken by his attackers, unable to leave the building that was set ablaze, and was charred to death.
The incident is the worst-ever for Suzuki since the company began operations in India in 1983. A Suzuki spokesman said the Manesar violence won't affect the auto maker's business plans for India.
According to the Maruti Suzuki Workers Union, a supervisor had abused and made discriminatory comments to a low-caste worker. These claims were denied by the company and the police.
A special investigation team formed by the Haryana Government has reportedly concluded that the violence was due to internal issues between the management and workers, a report in The Hindu said. It is said to have ruled out external influence, as suspected by the company, it added.
