What Raise? Aurobindo Pharma Employees Protest Over Wages

At least one generic drugmaker has found yet another way to mimic brand-name drugmakers – an alleged failure to pay promised wages and a resulting protest by employees. Aurobindo had purportedly committed to raising salaries for its workers by March 15, but only delivered one-sixth of what had been expected and, as a result, 2,000 employees – or roughly 90 percent of the staff – have boycotted their workplace, The Hindu reports. The Centre of Indian Trade Unions complains that Aurobindo is earning large profits by exporting bulk drugs, but is ignoring the welfare of its workers and also violating labor laws by designating employees as outsourcing staff. They also charged the drugmaker boosted transportation and canteen reimbursements, instead of revising the salaries in line with the hike in prices of essential commodities. We asked Aurobindo for comment and will update you accordingly.