In response to Apparel Resources’ query for clarification over allegations made by Worker Rights Consortium (WRC), Shahi Exports, India’s biggest apparel exporter, has claimed that the report issued by the WRC was one-sided and lacked proper evidence.
“Shahi does not agree with the allegations made in the report. This report lacks proper evidence and is one-sided. It is a partial account of what we have done in the matter, as WRC decided to release the report while our internal investigations and actions were underway,” Shahi Managment told AR.
WRC recently released a 29-page report claiming that mid-level professionals of the export house threatened and misbehaved with the workers, who were asking for increase in wages. An investigation by the WRC found that Shahi management, in March, engaged in a campaign of repression and retaliation against workers’ exercise of fundamental labour rights, which included physical beatings, death threats, religion-based abuse, and the expulsion of 15 worker activists.
Speaking to AR, Anant Ahuja from Shahi Exports, said, “34 employees who were present during the event have given a statement to police that these allegations are not true. An independent NGO investigation of over 300 employees was conducted at the factory which did not confirm the allegations of the WRC report.”
The management also informed that the investigations by the state police were underway in the matter, adding that the company was fully supporting the inquiry.
In the meanwhile, the company has taken quick and proactive steps, after the matter got escalated. The 15 employees, who were suspended by Shahi, have been offered reinstatement back to the factory with all back wages for the period under suspension. “All the 15 employees have agreed to this and have rejoined on June 27. We express regret for the hardship caused to the 15 workmen,” Ahuja said.
According to the management, the Shahi workers, against whom allegations are made, have been suspended, and that severe punitive action will be taken against them, if found guilty.
It has been categorically stated that Shahi recognizes freedom of expression and has agreed to constructively engage with the Karnataka Garment Workers Union and hold discussions on issues faced by workers.
Shahi has also assured to restore all the valuables, lost by some employees during the tussle, adding that the company will compensate financially in case the valuables are not restored.
Shahi has also entered into an agreement with the local union asking them not to malign the company’s image by criticising them to the media or on social networking platforms.
“Shahi has always stood for workers advancement, and the company continues to align its growth with the development of people. We affirm our commitment to working together with all stakeholders and would welcome all views, proposals and opinions. However, we do hope that in expecting us to be responsible as a business, the stakeholders would not themselves act irresponsibly,” concluded Ahuja.
