PRODUCTIVITY

Synopsis: Communication For Productivity Letters written to some 7500 Workers / Managers / Union Leaders, following a period of strike / Go slow / Murders (1979 - 1987), at Mumbai factory of Larsen & Toubro Ltd. This direct / open / honest communication led to a remarkable atmosphere of trust between Workers and Management, which, in turn, increased productivity at 3% per year (ave).

28 May 1984

To:

Dear Mr.

PLEASE, CALL A GATE-MEETING!

Sub: Productivity

I refer to my letter addressed to the Gen. Secretary of the BKS Union, L&T Unit, dated April 11, 1984 on the above subject, with copies to you and your Gen. Secy. and my subsequent  letter addressed to you dated May 9, 1984 with copy to Gen. Secretaries - Sena Bhavan &  L&T Unit, Powai.

As you are aware, all efforts are being made to achieve within three months from the date of signing the Settlement an improvement of 25% in productivity, over the productivity levels achieved during the currency of 1979 Settlement with the active cooperation of the local Committee members.

I am forwarding herewith copies of my recent letters addressed to the Shop Representatives on the same subject.

In the Powai-Level Productivity meeting held on 8th May 1984, the Gen. Secy. (L&T Unit) has offered to speak to the Shop Representatives in this matter and assured us of his team's fullest cooperation in the matter. He further assured that neither he nor his colleagues would defend such workmen who are unwilling to give increased production.

As mentioned in my letter to you dated May 9, 1984, I am convening the Powai-Level productivity Committee meeting on 8th June 1984 at Powai, and would greatly appreciate if you could make it a point to attend this meeting and address the participants on improving productivity to achieve the agreed levels.

I would also request you to address a gate meeting preferably on the same day to tell the workmen to live upto the commitment made by the Union at the gate meeting held on 29th March 1984.

To make it convenient for you, I am shifting the meeting of the Powai level Productivity committee to 1.30 p.m. in the afternoon, so that you will be in a position to address the gate meeting immediately thereafter. I assume you will issue the circular regarding the gate meeting.

Around the 4th or 5th of June 1984, I would be sending to you statements showing productivity levels achieved during the currency of the 1979 Settlement and April-May 1984 for your advance information which would be screened to the participants on 8th June 1984 meeting.

Thanking you,

Yours sincerely,

H.C. PAREKH