The indefinite strike launched by the powerloom weavers of Sircilla textile town demanding increase in wages entered the sixth day on Saturday.
The AITUC and CITU trade unions had called for the indefinite strike demanding increase in wages of powerloom weavers from the existing Rs. 0.17 paise per 10 pics to Rs. 0.30 paise per 10 pics of fabric produced in the loom. The other demands are bonus for weavers and eight-hour working shift.
The strike has cast a shadow on the entire textile town with those working in allied sectors going without work since five days.
After the launch of the strike, the Labour Department held consultations with the powerloom owners asking them to address weavers’ problems. But the latter firmly said that they would review wages only after three months as they were already in deep crisis. Samalla Mallesham, president of AITUC affiliated to powerloom workers’ union, said weavers have lost their wages following the indefinite strike and they were unable to borrow money outside. He feared that micro-finance companies would enter the textile town and further increase difficulties for the weavers.
