Maruti announces "indefinite lockout," will stay in Manesar

New Delhi, July 21 (ANI): Maruti Suzuki on Saturday announced indefinite lockout of its Manesar plant, while trashing speculations of moving out of the Haryana town.

Addressing a press conference here, Maruti Chairman R.C. Bhargava said the production at its Manesar plant will not resume till the causes of Wednesday's violence are fully investigated.

"There is indefinite lockout at the Manesar plant. We are not in a position to start production at the factory. Safety of colleagues is more important than making some cars, making some money," Bhargava said.

He said the management had settled all issues with the workers' unions after the last strike, nine months ago.

Further, he denied any plans of shifting the plant out of Manesar.

"This thought of us moving out of here is complete fiction," he said.

Calling the violence at its Manesar plant "shattering", Bhargava said the automobile major was doing its best to tackle the mess.

"What happened was a shattering incident. We are tackling the mess," he said.

R.C. Bhargava said that the company never imagined its own workers would indulge in violence.

"There was no victimization of workers at the unit. Problems can be sorted out if there is goodwill at both sides. There should be communication from both sides. We have always been ready to communicate with the workers," he clarified.

When asked whether Maruti would disband the Union, he said, "We have not disbanded any union. We are not in a position to disband any union. This issue is not even under consideration at this point." (ANI)