Strikes in Ludhiana have partly hit the powerloom sector of the city for over a month's time. The industry is currently also struggling with the problem of scarcity of workers and limited power supply.
Workers have been asking for the execution of minimum wages and higher pay for them as they earn by piece rate in the apparels, shawl and knitwear sectors. Workers, under the leadership of two trade unions, are also asking for insurance against accidents.
According to an union leader, the laborers neither have health insurances nor identity cards. This has been continuing for the past 18 years. It is now, that the workers have raised their voice and have started asking for these benefits.
Another official underrated the condition by saying that only 50 factories have remained closed because of the strike. He further added that an attempt was already undertaken towards the settlement of the issue.
There are over 20,000 small as well as medium-sized apparel factories located in the city. The current scarcity of labor as well as the irregular supply of power are not grave issues and therefore can be easily dealt with.
Fibre2fashion News Desk-India