MRF and Hyundai Motor are the two auto sector companies in Tamil Nadu hit by recurring labour problems.

In Hyundai Motors, the union is affiliated to the pro-Marxist Centre for Indian Trade Unions (CITU). It has been demanding recognition which the company has declined.

'Our approach will be different. It was evident in Nokia India. We are sure of securing the recognition,' Kuppusamy said.

With more and more industrial units coming up in the Oragadam-Sriperumbudur belt, it has become important for political parties to activate their labour wings to mobilise membership.

Asked about his strategy to counter LPF's influence, A. Soundararajan, general secretary of CITU, told IANS: 'We do not actively go out to factories to start a union. We help workers who come to us for help and guidance.'

Coming down heavily on the demand of multinational companies to have their units declared as public utility, Soundararajan said: 'MNCs do not agree for union formation and demand public utility status. Car or mobile phone factories are certainly not public utility. The general public will not get affected if workers strike work to press their demands.

'At any point of time, a trade union of any party affiliation is a better option than a Works Committee,' Soundararajan added.