Union leaders don't regret quitting unrest

The union leaders, who spearheaded the workers' strike at the Maruti Suzuki India plant before striking a deal on October 19 with the management, have no repentance for backing off quietly after getting Rs 16 lakh each.

The union leaders, who spearheaded the workers' strike at the Maruti Suzuki India plant before striking a deal on October 19 with the management, have no repentance for backing off quietly after getting Rs 16 lakh each.

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The strike was called off after a 42-hour closed-door meeting between the representatives of the striking workers, the management and the Haryana government. The truce evoked strong resentment among the workers against their leaders. However, the union leaders described their moves as a "sacrifice" in the larger interest of the workers.

Rishi Pal, the executive member of the Manesar plant workers union, who claims to be among the last lot of representatives to have submitted resignation on November 2, also bagged Rs 16 lakh.

While admitting that the workers lost the battle, Rishi Pal said, "We have not deceived anyone. I put in my papers after majority of the suspended workers, including the president and general secretary, had resigned," he added.