Chennai, Feb 13 (TIWN) While merger of rival companies is normal, a merger of two worker unions is something rare, which happened at two-wheeler maker Eicher Motors Ltd's plant here, said their leaders.

Further, the amalgamation has happened at a time when the union has submitted its charter of demands as the earlier wage agreement with the management will end in 2022.  "On Friday, the Royal Enfield Employees Union (REEU) decided to merge itself with the majority union Oragadam Royal Enfield Employees General Union," the latter's President M. Muthukaruppasamy told IANS. 

Confirming the development, Dinesh Babu, General Secretary of erstwhile REEU, told IANS: "The management had a discussion with us. Considering the workers' welfare and the company's well-being in a holistic manner, we decided to merge with Oragadam Royal Enfield Employees General Union."  According to the union leaders, B. Govindarajan, Executive Director, Eicher Motors, had a meeting with them and discussed the company's plans, market situation and the challenges. 

The Eicher Motors plant near here rolls out popular two-wheelers like Bullet, Classic 350 and others.  Union leaders told IANS that communication between the workers at the shop floor used to be tense owing to the union rivalry.