Protesting Nestlé Workers in Goa Demand Reinstatement, Raise Concerns on Employment Practices
Over 50 contract workers at Nestlé’s manufacturing facility in Bicholim, Goa, have launched an indefinite hunger strike, demanding reinstatement after their contracts were terminated following a brief protest in April 2024. According to the workers, who had staged a gherao of the HR department on April 5 over issues including safety concerns and long working hours, the company dismissed them without prior warning or a proper inquiry.
The protest, backed by the All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC), raises questions about contingent labor practices within multinational FMCG operations in India. The terminated workers, employed via a contractor, allege that 52 employees were let go without explanation. Reinforcements were reportedly brought in from outside Goa to replace them, as operations at the Bicholim plant continue unaffected.
“For several years, these workers have contributed tirelessly to Nestlé’s production targets. Yet, a peaceful demonstration for basic rights resulted in sudden dismissal,” said Christopher Fonseca, general secretary of AITUC in Goa, in an official statement. The union is seeking immediate reinstatement and has filed complaints with the state government’s labor commissioner.
This development comes amid broader industry scrutiny over the treatment of contract labor in fast-moving consumer goods manufacturing. Contractual employees often lack formal protections, and this incident underscores the need for better frameworks around worker grievance redressal and compliance with labor regulations.
Nestlé India has yet to provide an official response. However, sources indicate the company has maintained that the issues concern contractual staffing managed by third-party agencies, though accountability remains a pressing concern for stakeholders.
FMCG companies in India are increasingly under pressure to deliver on both operational efficiency and ethical compliance. With labor unrest sparking production and reputational risks, the demand for transparent employment practices has never been greater. Industry leaders and supply chain managers will be closely watching how Nestlé addresses this protest, as it could set a precedent for labor engagement across the sector.