INDIA: GSK Horlicks workers fight for reduced workloads for more jobs & better conditions

Today the IUF-affiliated Milk Food Factory Workers Union stepped up its demand for improved working conditions at the GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) Horlicks factory in Nabha in Punjab state in northwest India. The union, representing 1,650 members, is demanding 105 new permanent positions be created to reduce excessive workloads in manufacturing and milk collection.

Currently workers in milk collection centres – who recently joined the union – work an accumulated 17 hours in a 24 hour period. The union is demanding their working hours be reduced to 8 hours without loss of pay, creating another 60 permanent jobs. The union is also demanding 45 permanent jobs in production to reduce workloads and the risk of accidents.

In May 2010 the union won permanent jobs for 452 casual workers employed on a ‘temporary’ basis for more than a decade.