Response by Avery Dennison
We would like to state at the outset that allegations made against us with regard to the engagement and dismissal of contract labor are unfounded. We are in compliance with applicable Indian laws and our employment of contract workers is regularly audited by our customers and inspected by regulatory authorities. Our contract workers are employed by our manpower suppliers...Any union formed by the contract workers must be recognised by the employers of those workers themselves, in this case the manpower suppliers. Because these positions are temporary, a particular contract worker may be deployed by their employer at Avery Dennison today and at another company next month, so the population is variable. GATWU’s allegation that we have retaliated against 52 contract workers for exercising their freedom of association is not true. There has never been a case where an Avery Dennison permanent employee or contract worker has lost a job based on joining a union. We respect the Right to Association and do not interfere in union formation....Avery Dennison reiterates that there has been no underpayment with respect to minimum wages paid to contract workers and the figures cited in the letter are incorrect based on our current wage schedule