Nabha factory of Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL), produces essential health food drinks marketed under well-known brands such as Horlicks and Boost. A nationwide lockdown was declared by the Government of India on account of Covid19 effective 25th March 2020 hence operations at Nabha Factory of Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL) were shut from 25th March 2020 until 31st March 2020. The company paid full wages to all workers. On 1st April 2020, Nabha Factory of Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL) being a public utility service was approved by the Government of Punjab to operate despite the lockdown on account of Covid19, to help consumers and society with essential items during the pandemic impacted times. 

The factory resumed operations post approval from 1st April 2020 which was proactively communicated to the union and the workers. However out of 1400 employee an average of only 150 workers turned up for work until 23rd April. Hence the factory could only produce 20% of volume. With effect from 23rd April, all workers of B Shift (evening shift), under instigation of the union, stopped coming to work resulting into a complete loss of production. The factory management immediately called a union meeting on 23rd April’2020 and discussed with union on the said issue, and the union was clearly advised to resume plant operations. While the union did not respond on resuming the operations however it did raise the issue of the pending long term wage settlement (LTWS) which is pending before an Industrial Tribunal.