By Savita Bhave Translation Nandu Dange

finds itself today was Baburao Dharwade, it would not amount to exaggerationin the least.”Mohammed Saheb Hudli says the local people had told Minister BapusahebPrabhugaokar that Hudli had Menon’s ear, and so the Minister called upHudli. Hudli fixed a dinner meeting with him. He then called up Menon. Menonasked him in turn, “What is your opinion?” Hudli replied, “I feel you shouldrespond. State your terms for that.” The meeting duly took place. Menon said,“I want a reduction of 50 per cent in the worker strength. In the face offinancial stringency, the government departments should give meconcessions or extended time to pay. The banks and financial institutesshould be instructed by the Government to grant aid.” Prabhugaokar replied,“I will have to discuss with the unions. I can see to it that you get theGovernment concessions. But how is the 50 per cent labour cut to bemanaged?” The deliberations took place on lawn chairs in Menon’s garden.After that people from both sides proceeded to the Mantralaya in Mumbai fornegotiations. The 50 per cent workforce cut decision was taken there, as wasthe plan for its execution. This was the most traumatic event that hadhappened in Menon’s life. Long drawn out discussions between workers andthe management were common. Whenever unpleasant steps had to beinitiated there always was a backlash from the general workmen – ademonstration of displeasure. But in this case an extreme step was beingtaken – discussions were going on for a 50% cut in the workforce and a 20%cut in wages – in spite of that there was no demonstration. Nana Shahanestates that never has he seen such terms being put and agreed to. Anyone inMenon’s place would have lost heart and filed for bankruptcy, but Menonreopened his unit on his own terms, and paid off fully the accumulated debtsof a few crores. He was admirably supported by the same workmen who ledhim into such a difficult situation.Abhay Nevagi states that the liability of a Director in a Limited Company is,technically, limited. The losers are the workers and the creditors. The bankshad the recourse of recovering their loans through the assets. Menon couldhave packed up and left unscathed. But Menon never even thought of thatroute. There were two unions in the factory, Pansare’s in the machine shopand Dighe’s in the foundry. After the agreement, Pansare’s people felt thatthey had got a raw deal. The submitted a memorandum to Menon to thateffect and a highly disturbed Menon summoned Pansare to see him. Theyhad a stormy, no-holds-barred meeting, with Pansare accusing Menon ofinjustice to his people. Menon responded that having two unions in onefactory helps no one. Pansare gave an ultimatum: “I give you two years’ time,during which you may do any amount of injustice. At the end of two years ifthere is no solution and my people are still unhappy, I shall come here andcreate a confrontation.” Menon gave his assurance, and Pansare kept hisword: he did not turn up for two years. After he was convinced that Menonhad done justice to all, Pansare did not even turn up at the factory gates for agood eight years.Nevagi says that at one stage during this time, the company seemed to haveno future. The factory commenced operations but production was not taking