Labour unrest - a term which disturbs the peace of mind and inhibits the overall environment for sometime.
I too came across situations where workers stopped their work and started raising their issues. The matter was escalated along with the tension. While I am not a hardcore IR (Industrial Relations) Professional but I decided to 'catch the bull by horns' and resolve it even though I didn't know the local language. What I knew was the basics of communication, patience and confidence on myself and an approach to resolve.
I went to the agitating crowd and asked them to first calm down so that an atmosphere can be made to hear them out and understand their issues. I asked them to come forward those people among themselves who can understand Hindi, English (as I am fluent in these languages). Incidentally all of them have agreed and then few people came forward. We started discussing the concerns they had.
I found that their most of the concerns were genuine, gave them the solutions and convinced them to resume work immediately. I also gave them some commitment to resolve the unresolved issues. They looked contented after finding the genuineness in my responses, approach.
When I went back to my cabin I introspected the entire scenario and made my team also to do the same. Team took a defensive approach however I convinced them to do a SWOT analysis so that we can take preventive measures to avoid such recurrences.
Team found that the root cause - "missing the basics": lack of communication, ignorance of respect to each other and equality.
Usually many of us become so busy in our day-to-day workings few of us don't realize when the ball is dropped. Resolve the burning issue ASAP.. delay is a hindrance of future.
Keep it simple and straight the first time. Keep communicating.
Happy working!
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