In view of the prevailing situation in Tamil Nadu, Hyundai has decided to temporarily suspend the operation of the plant for a period of 5 days from 25 May 2021 to 29 May 2021.
Hyundai India
Hyundai Motor is forced to close its Chennai plant for five days starting today, amid mounting cases of COVID-19 infection and concerns from its employees. The Korean carmaker issued a statement and said it has decided to suspend production at the plant amid restrictions such as the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic and strict lockdown imposed by the Tamil Nadu government.
Last week, the state government decided to extend the lockdown for another week to May 31 in Tamil Nadu, the state known as India’s Detroit, for its auto manufacturing centers. However, the state had allowed some industries, including the auto sector, that they could continue to operate amid lockdowns. Tamil Nadu is one of the most affected states in India with over 30,000 cases every day.
The statement issued by Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL) stated, “In view of the prevailing situation in Tamil Nadu, Hyundai management temporarily suspended the operation of the plant for a period of 5 days from May 25, 2021 to May 29, 2021. Has decided to do. ” The decision comes at a time when the Korean carmaker is planning to launch its first three-row SUV Alcazar in India next month. This may affect the production of the new 7-seater SUV.
Hyundai said that this decision was taken as a precaution to ensure the safety of its employees. Hyundai said in its statement, “During the ongoing second wave of the COVID-19 epidemic, the company has taken a number of proactive and progressive measures to empower, enable and support the workforce.”
What Hyundai did not say was that the move came after facing the displeasure of workers who are concerned about the increasing number of COVID-19 cases. “The management agreed to close the plant after workers expressed concern over safety following the death of two employees due to COVID,” Hyundai Motor India Employees Union president E Muthukumar quoted news agency Reuters as saying.
Hyundai’s decision comes at a time when other car makers are also facing similar resentment of their employees for fear of increasing cases of COVID-19 infection. At the Renault and Nissan facility in Chennai, workers are threatening to go on strike if the carmakers do not announce the shutdown soon. He has alleged that the norms of social distancing are not being followed in the facility. They are also not happy with the medical cover provided in case of a health emergency.
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