Abstract

The case studies the labor problems of the Philips India Limited’s (PIL) Salt Lake factory in Kolkatta, India, around 1998 when differences with workers led to declining production and losses. When PIL’s management decided to sell the factory, the Union objected and made a counter bid. Highlighting the problems between PIL and its workers, the case examines the reasons behind the conflict.

Learning Objectives

The case is structured to achieve the following Learning Objectives:

• Industrial relations
• Workers participation in management.

Keywords

Labor problems, Philips India Limited, PIL, Salt Lake factory, Kolkatta, India, 1998, workers, declining production, losses, sell the factory, counter bid, conflict