Please note that, after your email dated 16th May .2024, SAPL had a detailed meeting with GLU on 27.04.2024. This was the second meeting this year with GLU which have resulted in significant relationship development with GLU and in the meeting both the parties have agreed to meet once in two months and formally record the minutes in MoM by signing the same after discussion and accordingly we signed first MoM dated 27.02.2024 and a draft MoM dated 27.04.2024 is shared with GLU and being discussed for signing.

We wish to bring it to your notice that, there was neither any complaint nor incident to suppressive actions by SAPL on collective bargaining efforts by any trade union much less GLU. Therefore, general comments which will impact the relationship should be avoided at any cost by both parties, as parties are developing trust between them by engaging in periodical dialogues.

Further, as on today, GLU is not the only trade union which has its members working in SAPL-1, especially after the split of GLU, significant changes have taken place with respect to representative nature of GLU and without getting into details of such changed SAPL with a bonafide intent, has engaged GLU for discussion keeping overall workmen’s interest in mind.

Even after multiple discussions and requests, GLU has failed to provide details of its members in SAPL-1 and as per our understanding, a very insignificant number of workmen are associated with GLU. In view of the same, undue haste is unnecessary, especially at this stage, to formalise the relationship between GLU and SAPL, which will have adverse impact on the majority of workers who are either not the members of GLU or members of other trade unions.

In view of the same, the SAPL Management insists on continuing the dialogue with GLU to encourage the freedom of association, and sign MoM if and when necessary.

Further, following points raised by you are clarified accordingly:

(a) Recognising GLU’s protected workmen’s list:

SAPL Response: At present GLU has initiated Conciliation Proceedings which are pending before Assistant Labour Commissioner, Labour Department Bengaluru and SAPL will abide by the outcome of such proceedings. Next date of hearing is 28.05.2024.

(b) Signing the proposed MOU with GLU.

SAPL Response: As per the discussion held on 27.04.2024, GLU and SAPL Management have agreed to meet once in two months and discuss issues relating to protections for freedom of association, the regularity of meetings between GLU and SAPL management, the check-off system, workplace representatives, grievance resolution mechanisms, assurances against unilateral action on either part, assurances against GBV, provision of facilities time and training, etc. In regard to GBV we have started a paid Maythri -Project at SAPL-1 from May-2024 through the St John Medical College Bangalore Parties have also agreed to sign MoM after every meeting, recording the discussions and possible solutions with an intent to maintain good industrial relationship without affecting the interest of a significant number of our workmen who are not part of GLU.

We reiterate as a responsible Management that, SAPL is duty bound to protect the freedom of association and to participate in collective bargaining efforts, in this regard we have five Statutory Committees which are elected by the workmen through a democratic process in which some of the GLU members have participated and contributed for better industrial relationship and same has been noticed during all our Social Sustainability Audit by our various buyers / third party auditors.

In view of the above, SAPL Management is very much committed to respect the freedom of association in spirit and practice and to take care of buyer’s codes of conduct keeping in mind the workmen’s interest and to maintain the harmonious relationship with GLU and Management.

Once again, We are assuring that we will continue to maintain good relationship with GLU.