236 Engineers Decided To Mass Bunk For 6 Weeks, Gets Fired By The Pune Company

The general reason for a mass bunk in our college days was to protest against the lack of holidays we were being given. Occasionally, it would be to protest against the behaviour of the teacher or to go and attend the Friday release of the latest Marvel movie.

Now, usually that would capture the attention of the authorities, and with some nifty hand-wringing, we did get what we wanted. But when we stepped outside the college campus, we realised that the rest of the world didn’t work in the same way. Hence, we grew up. However, it looks like some didn’t.

According to Business Today, 236 employees of auto parts manufacturer ZF Steering Gear were found guilty of going on a mass leave for six weeks. Their official release stated that,

“The enquiry proceedings were conducted in fair and just manner and following all the principles of natural justice. The concerned employees were found guilty of misconduct in the said proceedings.”

Apparently, these 236 engineers tried to relive their college days by going on a leave from December 2, 2017 to about January 19, 2018. And here’s the fun part. They didn’t give any prior intimation to their higher ups.

ZF Steering Gear is a Germany-based company, with its plant in Pune. And we know all about Germany efficiency. So, it was expected of them to take strict action and they did so by stating,

“The Company finally decided to terminate the employment of these 236 employees with effect from 26/27th October, 2018. All the concerned employees have been paid their due amount under the provisions of law.”

According to the company, the enquiry proceeding were conducted by an enquiry officer to investigate the charges of ‘misconduct’ against the employees. They also held several rounds of discussion with the mass bunkers, but they couldn’t arrive at an amicable solution.

We know all about company workers going on strikes and bandhs to protest against low wages or not enough amenities. However, if the matter was so grievous, a one week protest would’ve made it into the papers. But it didn’t. So, it’s probable that they just decided to take a long holiday. And now they’re paying for it.

Cover Image Source: Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment