Philosophy or labour issues, Roy J George loved a good discussion. As a blogger, the founder-moderator of web-based HR Innovators, or as Vice-President (Human Resource) of auto component maker Pricol, he always initiated discussions, taking care not to turn them into debates.

But opening talks with George, say colleagues, never struck a group of Pricol employees who attacked him with iron rods on Monday. George succumbed to injuries last evening.

Labour unrest has had the company in trouble for nearly two years, even affecting its books. “After joining the company in March, George was actively involved in the issues of employees. He built their confidence on the genuine interests of the management. There were a series of meetings through which he sought to soothe tempers. He was successful

with all unions and employees, but for a small section,” said Appan Elango, Senior Manager, HR.

Elango joined the company in June, a couple of months after George took charge of the department. “The workers were hostile in the beginning. They were abusive when we first went for interactions. But Sir (George) would say try again and again. Talk to them, he would tell us. Finally, he won over the majority by being a transparent, approachable senior.”

But last Saturday, 42 employees were dismissed, mostly operators who had been having disputes with the management in the past. Action was taken against them following violence late last year when they attacked new recruits but the company relented after the employees gave an assurance in court, said a senior official.

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