El Salvadoran textile unions seek better work conditions

29 Feb '12

2 min read

Several textile workers' unions in El Salvador, the smallest and the most densely populated country in Central America, have sought improved work conditions in textile and garment manufacturing units.

The Women Transforming Association, on behalf of various workers unions of textile plants, has announced framing of draft regulations that can be amended to the Law on Free Zones.

Monserrat Arevalo, Executive Director of the association, said the textile workers are seeking reforms to dignify and humanize work in manufacturing units across the country.

Arevalo said that at present there are several violations related to labour rights of those working in export-oriented units, which lead to abuse of human rights.

Women workers are prone to arbitrary deductions in wages, are given no overtime pay, face harassment, have to achieve high production goals, and are made to work in poor industrial safety zones, putting their life at risk in case of an accident, Arevalo said.

The representative of the association added that in spite of contribution towards Salvadoran Social Security Institute (ISSS) being deducted from the wages of the workers, approximately 15,000 of the nearly 80,000 people employed in the sector do not enjoy social benefits.

Arevalo explained that the reform is not intended against the country's textile industry, but it aims to attract more foreign investment in the sector by creating an environment of respect for the rights of women workers.

The draft proposal for reforms will be tabled in the Legislative Assembly on March 8, 2012, to commemorate the International Women's Day.

Fibre2fashion News Desk - India