ABSTRACT
Dunlop–India, incorporated in 1926, manufactures tires, tubes, flaps, fan and belts, brake hoses, textile and steel-cord belting, transmission belting, PVC belting, repair material, hoses, etc. Dunlop’s journey from dominance to dereliction is a reflection of total corruption and theft on the part of the of the owners. When Dunlop’s near-monopoly was shielded by high tariff walls, it was able to cater to everything, from the humble bicycle to heavy vehicles and airplanes, at one point, manufacturing 300 kinds of tires. A tumultuous working relationship between Chhabria and Goenka finally culminated in the latter’s exit from the company. In 1996, the Dunlop and Shaw Wallace unions made a joint representation to the finance minister and the Prime Minister’s Office, seeking Chhabria’s removal. Rather than separating workers from the strategy and progress in the plants in Japanese companies, workers are consulted regularly on the matters of work, future plans, and strategy.
