September 11 marks 207 days of peaceful protest actions by workers and their union, IUF affiliate Barry Callebaut Employees’ Union (BCEU), at Barry Callebaut’s chocolate factory site in Baramati, India.
As part of its fight for trade union rights, BCEU continues to call for the reinstatement of its General Secretary, Rajesh Linchodkar, who was suspended for alleged misconduct following the establishment of the independent democratic union in January 2023. The infractions he is accused of would normally only result in a verbal or possibly written warning.
- While a series of bilateral meetings has now taken place between BCEU and Barry Callebaut Baramati unit management, unit management remains unwilling to discuss the reinstatement of Rajesh Linchodkar
- Local unit management also continues its refusal to negotiate on BCEU’s collective bargaining charter of demands even though most workers at Barry Callebaut’s Baramati chocolate site are members of the legally registered BCEU
The union has resolved to continue its peaceful protest until rights are restored at Barry Callebaut Baramati.
“The remedy for rights abuses is full reinstatement of BCEU’s General Secretary and a clear sign from the company that rights will be respected at Barry Callebaut Baramati. This must include good faith negotiations with BCEU, including on the union’s charter of demands,” stated IUF General Secretary Sue Longley.
