With powerloom workers engaged in agitations since April 30, Tamil Maanila Congress (TMC) leader G.K. Vasan on Sunday urged the State government to take steps to protect their livelihood.
The workers have been demanding a hike in wages, but the owners of powerloom units have refused to oblige, citing the implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and the fall in the value of the rupee. “If a person works for nine hours a day, he is paid ₹180. The hike in wages is necessary to protect the livelihood of these workers,” the former Union Minister said in a statement.
The State government should intervene and take steps so that their [the powerloom workers’] demands are met and their livelihood is improved, Mr. Vasan said.
Talks between the workers and the owners of powerloom units, facilitated by the government, have failed so far.
Around 5,000 powerlooms are functioning in Tirunelveli district, and about 20,000 workers are directly or indirectly involved in the sector.
