Hundreds of powerloom units affiliated to Master Weavers’ Association in Chatrapatti near Rajapalayam began an indefinite strike on Friday demanding a wage hike.
According to association president K. Mathooran there were 800 members with around 7,000 powerlooms, which make grey cloth (before bleaching) for surgical bandage manufacturers who cater to domestic and international market.
“All the materials are supplied by the manufacturers and we make bandages at piece rate, which was fixed at 96 paise per metre for 2013-14 with effect from May 1,” he said. The agreement was made with both the exporters and domestic players. As per the agreement the wage will be increased by 4.5 paise every year for 2014-15 and 2015-16.
“Though exporters have kept their promise, domestic suppliers [members of Surgical Dressing Manufacturers’ Association] implemented the new wage only for the first year and not for the subsequent year,” Mr. Mathooran said.
The next wage revision that was to be implemented on May 1, 2015 was also not executed. This, he said, had affected the powerlooms, which were already reeling under increased power tariff and also increased wages for the labourers as agreed upon. About 5,000 workers were out of work, he said.
However, Surgical Dressing Manufacturers’ Association members claimed that their business saw a slump and they could not meet their expenses.
“When we fell short in supplying the yarn to powerloom weavers, they agreed for a lesser wage, but wanted continuous job for their looms. It was a mutually agreed arrangement. But, now we are ready to give the additional 4.50 paise per metre [which was meant for 2014-15]. However, they are not ready for this proposal,” its president said.
