CHENNAI (Reuters) - Renault-Nissan has told an Indian court it needs to continue production at its car plant to meet orders, rejecting claims from an employee union that COVID-19 safety protocols were being ignored at the factory, legal filings show.
Renault-Nissan India and workers at its plant in the southern state of Tamil Nadu have been locked in a legal tussle after workers petitioned a court to halt operations because social distancing norms were being flouted and company-provided health benefits were outweighed by the risk to their lives.
In response, Renault-Nissan has argued in a court filing - which is not public - that there was a “compelling need” to continue operations to fulfill domestic and export orders. It said all COVID-19 norms were being followed.
The case will next be heard on Monday at the Madras High Court when the state government, which is also party to the case, is expected to file its response.
A top Tamil Nadu state official told Reuters on Sunday automobile companies will be allowed to continue operations, but action will be taken against violations of social distancing protocols by any company.
The legal battle highlights the challenges big companies are facing to keep operating in India amid heightened worries from employees who fear for their health and safety.