Garment workers in Chennai protest against illegal closure

16 December, Chennai: More than 100 women workers of Unitex Exports in Ambattur Industrial Estate went on a day long hunger strike outside the Labour Commissionerate at DMS complex demanding immediate lifting of the illegal lockout at Unitex Exports and action be taken against the management for illegal closure of the factory. Workers called upon the labour administration and the government to intervene and ensure that the Unitex management is brought to justice and directed to immediately pay wages. Several of the workers have been working in the factory for more than 25 years on an average salary of Rs.3500 per month.

Unitex Exports which supplies to brands in Europe and U.S.A, closed down the factory without any prior intimation on 1 November 2011 and since then workers have been left without work and wages. Negotiations between management and union proceeded for a month, when the company was forced to pay wages for the last month. However, talks failed on 12 December. The management of Unitex Exports has been inconsistent and changing its commitment to the workers. Finally, they refused further negotiation with the workers’ union at the conciliation proceedings before the Assistant Commissioner of Labour.
Moreover, the management has also not remitted Rs. 37 lakhs of provident fund dues deducted from workers wages for the past three years. After concerted struggle by the workers, the Provident Fund department have finally taken notice and attached the property of the company. Workers have been facing other violations including arbitrary delays in the payment of wages, non-provision of ESI cards, etc. Many workers who have resigned the company have also not received their gratuity and other dues.
Comrades M Subbu, Treasurer NTUI and Ravi, State Secretary of AITUC and leaders of Penn Thozhilalargal Sangam addressed the workers at the dharna. At about 11am, the Deputy Commissioner of Labour met with union representatives. The Assistant Commissioner of Labour, who was the conciliation officer dealing with the issue was also summoned. After workers briefed the DCL on the issue, local police were asked to contact the owner and appear for conciliation on Monday without fail. Summons has also been issued to the management to appear for conciliation.
Workers of Unitex Exports have been members of GAFWU since 2010 and have been consistently demanding recognition as the sole union in the factory.