The Hoechst All India Representatives’ Committee (HAIRC), a registered and recognized trade union representing Sales Promotion Employees/Medical Representatives on Thursday announced 2 day nationwide strike from Apr 22 till April 23, against unfair treatment of Sales Promotion Employees (SPEs) at Sanofi India Limited.
The prominent multinational pharmaceutical company with its headquarters in Mumbai, With over 800 Sales Promotion Employees employed to carry out sales promotion activities nationwide, HAIRC seeks to highlight a matter of grave concern regarding the rights and welfare of workers within the company.
In a communiqué, Chandra Kumar,General Secretary of HAIRC said that despite repeated appeals to the management of Sanofi India Limited and relevant authorities, concerns regarding the unfair treatment of Sales Promotion Employees (SPEs) persist without adequate resolution.
” SPEs working at Sanofi India Limited will be on strike on 22nd and 23rd April 2024 to protest against the unfairness and unfair labour practices of Sanofi India Limited,” he said.
Kumar said that matters have been escalated to the Union Labour Minister, Labour Commissioner, Mumbai, and the parent company headquarters in Paris, yet no substantive response has been received.
He further said that the management’s apparent hostility towards SPEs is evident in their attempts to curtail trade union rights and fundamental freedoms.
“The implementation of an “India for India” strategy and the sale of Nutra brands have resulted in the abrupt termination of employment for over 800 SPEs at Sanofi India Limited, forcing them to seek employment elsewhere as new appointees. This vulnerable employment situation exploits SPEs, who have contributed to Sanofi’s profits, for the benefit of other companies,” he said.
Kumar further said that the sale of Nutra brands, exclusive promotion and distribution rights of Cardiovascular products, Central Nervous System brands, and vaccine portfolio to other companies, along with offering Voluntary Retirement Schemes (VRS) to workers in the two major factories and forcing SPEs to seek employment elsewhere, indicates a failure on the part of management to fulfill their responsibilities.
“This shortsighted approach prioritizes profits over employee welfare, as evidenced by the differing standard operating procedures (SOPs) at Sanofi compared to other companies,” he said.
General Secretary further said that this transition has resulted in the termination of more than 66 SPEs and pushed hundreds more into precarious employment situations.
“Concerns regarding potential insider trading in these transactions have been forwarded to the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), National Stock Exchange (NSE), and the Hon’ble National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) for thorough investigation,” he said.
About demands of the Union, he said their demands include that Sanofi Management” must address Mid-Night terminations and justice to be done.
“Cease exploiting of Sales Promotion Employees for other companies’ profits. Ensure fairness, Stop unfair labour practices, and resolve all pending issues.”
He said that the Hoechst All India Representatives’ Committee (HAIRC) stands firm in its commitment to ensuring fairness and justice for all SPEs, including all stakeholders of the company. We will continue to provide full cooperation and support in any inquiries to uphold the rights and dignity of SPEs within Sanofi India Limited and for the cause of all stakeholders.
“In light of the above, SPEs working at Sanofi India Limited will be on strike on 22nd and 23rd April 2024 to protest against the unfairness and unfair labour practices of Sanofi India Limited,” Kumar said.
The HAIRC union urges media to raise awareness about challenges faced by Sales Promotion Employees at Sanofi India Limited. We seek media support to sensitize labour and relevant authorities, ensuring fair resolution of SPEs issues and protect the interest of all stakeholders.
