"Production has not started yet, but there are indications it will resume today with alternate arrangements like contract workers and hiring specialists, " an MSI spokesperson said.
After suspending 10 workers, dismissing five and discontinuing using the services of six trainees yesterday, the company is continuing with its aggressive crackdown against labourers after quality issues related to sabotage came to light last week.
"We have suspended 16 more permanent employees today as well as terminated the services of 12 more technician trainees, " the spokesperson stated.
Those who have been suspended and dismissed are being charged with sabotage and causing quality problem in cars produced a week ago.
The workers, however, said the management was taking these steps in 'revenge' for his or her 13-day strike in June demanding the recognition of a new union -- the Maruti Suzuki Employees Union (MSEU) -- in the plant located in Haryana.
Production at the plant came to a total halt yesterday, with the company preventing workers from entering the factory without signing a 'good conduct bond' following a alleged "sabotage".
"The management is taking revenge on us and forcing us to sign an undertaking following rejection in our application to form a union at the plant by the Haryana federal government, " MSEU General Secretary Shiv Kumar, who led the workers during the actual stir in June, said.
The suspended and dismissed workers include all the office-bearers from the proposed MSEU, he added.
However, management sources said MSI has been dealing with serious production issues, particularly with respect to meeting targets and quality manage, in the past few weeks.
"On August 24, 1, 230 cars were planned to become produced, but only 437 were assembled. Out of which, just 96 vehicles could pass quality check, " the source had said.
Workers have been indulging in deliberate attempts to lessen output and are compromising customer interests, the source added.
However, when asked concerning the allegations of tampering with the products, Kumar said, "Some management-supported workers are carrying this out after the product is ready just to take revenge on us for that June strike. ".