In November 2019, approximately 2,000 workers at a Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India (HMSI) plant in Manesar went on strike, after nearly 300 contractual workers were asked to go on indefinite leave.

Workers said the company had drawn a list of 650 workers they planned to send on indefinite leave. HMSI explained that the dismissals were based on 'demand fluctuations and product adjustment,' and that the 200 contractual members who had finished their terms had been relieved from work. 

Workers protested around the plant, and refused to leave until their demands were met, including financial assistance for those asked to leave and regularisation of those who had been working at the plant for over 10 years. Meetings took place between management, union members and labour department officials, but had failed to come to a resolution.

A week after the strike started, Honda announced that plant operations at the Manesar plant were suspended, and the plant would remain closed until a resolution had been met.

As the strike entered its 11th day, it was reported that approximately 50 workers had fallen sick and 12 hospitalised, due to a lack of food, after management had shut down the canteen. Honda did not respond to these claims.

 Honda also allegedly sought a stay order on the strike, in an attempt to evict striking workers from the plant. Honda declined to comment. Honda workers later vacated the plant, and continued their strike outside the premises, after management agreed to work towards a solution.

Further company comments can be found below.