close

Modern Times redux

When trust is broken and management is dehumanised, there are no winners in the end

Indrajit Gupta
labourers, migrant labourers, labour law
Premium

A week ago, news reports trickled in about Wistron shutting down its iPhone assembly production in India and shifting its other manufacturing operations to countries like Vietnam and Mexico. There may have been profitability pressures at stake — and an inability to compete with the larger Apple suppliers Foxconn and Pegatron. The Tata group is now stepping into the void by buying out the entire Wistron plant on the outskirts of Bengaluru.
It remains to be seen whether the Tata group is able to run the unit profitably and in a sustainable manner. Beyond the usual business imperatives, there is also the issue of a record of poor industrial relations — something that doesn’t get sufficient attention these days.
Less than three years ago, violence erupted at Wistron’s factory when, according to the police complaint, “5,000 contract labourers and 2,000 unknown culprits vandalised the factory”. Now, violence of this ki
Or
Disclaimer: These are personal views of the writer. They do not necessarily reflect the opinion of www.business-standard.com or the Business Standard newspaper

Also Read

International Labour Day: Celebrations, history, and all you need to know

Top CEOs got an average hike of 9% in 2022, workers' wages fell 3%: Oxfam

Youth employment remains the Achilles' heel in the Indian labour market

Staffing, IT software industries show highest demand for freshers in India

Modi govt at 9: As 2nd innings nears close, some unfinished business

How to build your personal brand

India's leadership conundrum

Fixing Air India

The everywhere retail

The corporate battles of 2023

Disrupting real estate markets

US visa threat before B'desh elections: Warning to faltering democracies

Suggestions of influential persons on trade policy and their scrutiny

Class action: Sameness of interest is a given

The darkness of trivialisation

First Published: May 29 2023 | 10:29 PM IST

Explore News

To read the full story, subscribe to BS Premium now, at just Rs 249/ month.

Key stories on business-standard.com are available only to BS Premium subscribers. Already a BS Premium subscriber?LOGIN NOW

Register to read more on Business-Standard.com