Powerloom weavers in Coimbatore and Tirupur to go on indefinite strike

Coimbatore: The Job-Working Powerloom Unit Weavers Association of Coimbatore and Tirupur on Tuesday announced an indefinite strike from March 19, demanding a wage hike as per an agreement with master weavers.
At its general body meeting at Somanur on the day, the association passed key resolutions highlighting the increase in electricity tariff, spare parts, wages for workers and living costs. They urged the govt to enforce a new wage agreement with legal protection, preventing wage reductions and alleviating the financial struggles of powerloom weavers.
Pointing out that no resolution was reached despite 15 months of negotiations by the Labour Welfare Department and several protests at Somanur and Thekkalur, the association said efforts by the Tirupur district revenue officer and collector had also failed. Weavers said they had petitioned state officials more than 40 times, but with little success.
"This strike is our last resort to protect the livelihoods of thousands of weavers and their families," the resolution stated, urging chief minister M K Stalin to intervene and initiate tripartite negotiations with textile manufacturers.
The strike will commence at 6am on March 19, the association said.