Mysore, 3 July 2024: Karnataka Independent Garment Workers Union (KIGWU) held a protest at Shahi Exports’ Unit-43 located at T. Narasinhpura, Mysore district today, demanding an immediate stop to intimidation and harassment of workers following the suicide of Shahi worker, Mr. Kiran BM, on 24 June 2024. Shahi Exports is a garment manufacturing company which supplies to major global brands including H&M, Columbia Sports Wear and Decathlon. However, the factory lacks even the basic provisions laid under the Factories Act, 1947 for a safe and secure workplace, hygienic canteen and clean toilets.
When workers raise complaints against inhumane working conditions, high and unachievable production targets or put forth demands for basic facilities, they face harassment at the hands of the management. Workers are forced to resign, and intimidated with termination and blacklisting so that they do not find employment elsewhere in the garment industry.
Jayaram AH, Organising Secretary of KIGWU said, ‘it is this sustained threatening, victimisation and blackmailing by the Shahi management that pushed the 29 year old worker, Mr. Kiran BM, to commit suicide on 24 June 2024, clearly naming AGM- HR Anil and AGM- Quality Lokesh responsible for his death.’
Shahi Exports, instead of putting corrective measures in place, has increased surveillance of workers to stifle their voice. Over the last week workers are being watched at the drinking water stations and toilets, and supervisors are reprimanding those who are found talking about the suicide case during the break period.
KIGWU, an independent union, affiliated to IndustriAll Global Union, Geneva has therefore urged the management to:
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immediately stop all unfair labour practices including the criminal intimidation of workers;
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announce a compensation to the family of the deceased worker including benefits for all years of completed service and earnings for the remaining service, and
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dialogue in good faith with the Karnataka Independent Garment Workers Union to put in place corrective actions and mechanisms to ensure that such violations do not occur again in any Shahi factory
