On 17 March, AICCTU units in Tamil Nadu organised a day long fasting programme at Ambattur and Chennai in support of Maruti workers and against their conviction by sessions court. Workers from On Load Gears, Ti Diamond chain, Sanmina, C&F automotive and Oragadam took part in the programme. AICCTU state secretary Com. Palanivel presided over the programme. Com. Kumarasamy, National President of AICCTU, Com. A. S. Kumar, state president of AICCTU and Com. Sekar, District Secretary of CPI(ML) addressed the participating workers. Workers boycotted food inside the factory. Workers from Sai Meera and Caterpillar also joined the fast. Com. Gunabalan, one of the Pricol 8 who was in prison and later acquitted by High Court also shared his experience.
In Coimbatore, workers in Pricol Plant 1 and 3 and Shanthi Gears boycotted food in solidarity with Maruti workers and held demonstrations in front of their respective gates during the lunch time. Com N. K. Natarajan, national secretary of AICCTU, Com. Saminathan, General Secretary and Com Jaya Prakash, Treasurer of Pricol union addressed the workers.
