Over 2,500 textile workers continue to hold strike in Ludhiana

TNN Oct 18, 2011, LUDHIANA: The strike of nearly 2,500 textile workers of more than 155 factories continued on 26th day on Monday. The workers held a big protest at DC Office on Monday under the banner of Textile Mazdoor Union.

The workers are demanding better wages in view of rising prices and inflation, implementation of labour laws like identity cards, maintenance of muster-roll, attendance card, salary slips, ESI cards, PF, bonus, weekly holidays and other holidays, and improvement of conditions on factory floor and appropriate security measures to prevent accidents in factories.

Rajwinder, TMU convener, said the owners are adopting corrupt practices by refusing to implement labour laws. Labour department is also dancing to the tunes of the textile owners and is running away from its constitutional duty, he added.

The strike started on the 22nd September when workers from 85 factories demanded an increase in wages, the regularisation of jobs and an implementation of labour laws like identity cards, ESI cards, muster-roll, holidays, etc. The workers did not take the decision to go on strike lightly but this was precipitated by the refusal of factory owners and the Labour Department to even open up a discussion with the workers about these demands. After the workers were ignored they had no choice but to prove that they were serious by coming out with this action. The strike has since swelled in number, gaining momentum with workers from a further 67 factories coming out meaning that more than 2500 workers from 152 factories are now involved in this struggle.