More than 1300 women members of Tamil Nadu Textile and Common Labour Union (TTCU), a women trade union body, recently participated in a day-long conference and workshop towards political solution for the issues of textile workers in Tamil Nadu. Organized in Dindigul, the event witnessed expert speakers from various fields and they insisted that workers should learn politicizing their issues as political solution is very essential and it is a must need for current situation of the state. Most of the workers present in the conference, only demanded to ensure their basic rights, while some demanded for more facilities also.
Most of the speakers rose to execute labour law properly and claimed that workers, especially women, are suffering in the state textile industry. Rajamani of Hind Mazdoor Sabha (HMS) Coimbatore insisted that none of the industries are releasing their workers after the completion of 8 hours shift; even the practice of forced labour is prevailing; besides the non-payment of even their minimum wages exists. “Labour laws of our country need to be implemented and the respective Government’s department should monitor them mandatorily and they should ensure its function,” he said. S. James Victor, Advisor, TTCU highlighted that the Central Government has to pass the Bill of Trafficking of Persons (Prevention, Protection and Rehabilitation) immediately, the integrated textile policy which is to be introduced by the State Government need to include the rights of women as well as the health and safety of women in the policy.
Sowmiya Anbumani, wife of Dr. Anbumani Ramadoss (former Union Health Minister and current MP), who participated on behalf of Dr. Anbumani, asked the workers to address their work place grievances for which the latter said that they don’t want anything beyond their wages, and demanded the sincere implementation of minimum wages act, leave, bonus and other labour benefits and their monitoring under this act. The PF and ESI deductions are present in the industries but the workers there are not treated with such facilities, and instead ‘cheated’ when they start claiming their dues. “The poor mill hostel facilities and the forced labour practices need to be stopped immediately,” said one of the workers present in conference. Some of the workers also highlighted the issue that the garment workers are unable to have a hold in their work or for their wages, because they are paid through the contractors who cheat them easily and exploit them to all possible levels.
Over 1300 women trade union members of TTCU participated in the day-long workshop raising issues of textile workers in Tamil Nadu. M. Mercy Leema, the Union President expressed that their initiative would bring changes in the labour policies.
Some of the workers and speakers highlighted various demands, like the Government should stop diluting the existing labour laws in the name of reformation. The Inter-State Migrant Act – 1979 for the Migrant Labourers, need to be strictly followed and the Government should monitor the implementation of this law. The workers of the private textile industries should have the equal rights and benefits for the labourers who work under National Textile Corporation and Tamil Nadu Textile Cooperative Society run by the Government.
M. Mercy Leema, President, TTCU expressed that initiative would bring changes in the policy of India and a new integrated textile policy would include labour rights. “This conference would take the issues to next level through continuous advocacy and lobby at higher level,” she said.
