Tamil Nadu Allows Automakers To Operate At Full Capacity From This Week: Report

The Tamil Nadu state government has allowed some industrial units, including automakers, in and around the capital city of Chennai, to operate at 100 per cent capacity from June 21, 2021. The announcement comes after weeks of conflict between the plant workers and the management of some of the global auto brands present in the state, like Renault-Nissan, Hyundai and Ford, over safety concerns with respect to COVID-19. The auto carmakers had to halt production at their plants for several days last month after workers protested and some went on strike.

Also Read: Madras High Court Asks For Probe Into Renault-Nissan Plant's Social Distancing Norms

While this development might be in the favour of the automakers, a recent report released by the Tamil Nadu Directorate of Industrial Safety and Health, dated June 18, 2021, states that three in four workers at the plants of Ford, Hyundai and Renault-Nissan near Chennai have not been vaccinated against COVID-19. This means that still 75 per cent of the collective workforce of the vehicle manufacturers operating in and around Chennai, have not been vaccinated against COVID-19.

Hyundai India has said that its Sriperumbudur plant has started working on 100 per cent capacity from June 21, 2021

Hyundai India, which recently launched its first 3-row SUV Alcazar, has confirmed to carandbike that its production facility in Sriperumbudur has started working on 100 per cent capacity from June 21, 2021. On the other hand, a Ford India spokesperson said, "The safety of our workforce remains our topmost priority and for the operations to continue, we are following strict safety & health guidelines issued by the Government of Tamil Nadu and Global health authorities." Sources in the know have added that right now, the carmaker doesn't intent to increase the shifts or workforce at its plant.

As of June 17 the Chennai plants were functioning at over 90 per cent of workforce capacity

Nissan India, which holds majority stake in the Renault-Nissan plant, said, "We have already implemented changes in the production lines, as per previous agreements regarding employee safety with the union, while also acting on the recommendations of the state government following recent inspections. We are gradually ramping up our production capacity in both line 1 and Line 2. We will continue observing all safety protocols mandated by the government authorities, working with the government stakeholders and coordinating with the union to reach an amicable and mutually beneficial resolution for all. We will continue to closely monitor the developments and will continue to take all necessary steps to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our employees."

We have also reached out to BMW India, which has its production facility in Kachadimangalam, near Chennai. However, at the time of publishing this story, our email sent to the manufacturer remained unanswered. As of June 17, 2021, the Chennai plants of these companies were functioning at over 90 per cent of workforce capacity.

A case was filed by the workers at the Renault-Nissan India plant in May 2021, asking operations to be halted as social distancing norms were being disregarded

The report filed by the industrial safety department was an outcome of a case filed by the workers at the Renault-Nissan India plant in May 2021, asking operations to be halted as social distancing norms were being disregarded. An Indian court had directed the officials to visit the plants and draw up uniform safety guidelines. The department recommended the speed of conveyor belts at the plants be reduced and using idle workstations to ensure social distancing. It also recommended that workers employed in assembly lines be vaccinated as soon as possible.