Labour Dispute Spreads to Surat Weaving Units as Workers Raise Wage and Work-Hour Demands

Workers in parts of Surat’s textile clusters have raised demands similar to those made by embroidery workers, while weavers’ associations call for dialogue and calm.

Labour-related tensions in Surat’s textile sector have extended from embroidery units to weaving operations, with some workers raising demands including higher wages. Small numbers of workers have stayed away from work in Sayan, Pandesara and Sachin, as industry associations and government officials seek to prevent further disputes.

Weaving Workers Raise Similar Demands

The development follows protests by embroidery workers seeking eight-hour shifts and a paid weekly off. Following those protests and a directive from the labour department asking employers to comply with labour laws, embroidery unit owners have called a mass meeting.

Workers in weaving units have now begun raising similar demands, along with calls for higher wages.

Small groups of workers have remained absent from work in textile clusters in Sayan, Pandesara and Sachin over the past three days. Industry sources also said that some workers are leaving Surat for holidays, with several planning extended vacations.

Weavers’ Association Advises Direct Dialogue

The Federation of Gujarat Weavers Welfare Association (FOGWWA) has advised weaving unit owners to remain calm and address workers’ concerns through direct discussions.

FOGWWA has also asked weavers not to respond to any provocation and to seek amicable solutions through dialogue.

“If workers still want to continue their protests, the unit owner can stop production for a while. With yarn prices already high, weaving has become costly for manufacturers, and reducing production is better than having conflict with workers,” said Ashok Jirawala, president of FOGWWA.

Posters circulated by FOGWWA state that certain elements are attempting to disrupt textile manufacturing and create mistrust between employers and workers. The posters call on weavers to maintain peace, avoid arguments with workers, refrain from sharing provocative videos on social media and not be misled. They also advise against holding large group meetings.

Some Weavers Consider Longer Diwali Shutdown

Some weavers in parts of Surat district are considering a 15-day Diwali vacation, compared with the approximately five-day shutdown that weaving units typically observe during the festival.

High yarn prices and the ongoing worker-related tensions are among the factors being considered by some unit owners in discussions about a longer break.

“A 15-day or longer vacation during Diwali is being discussed by some sections of weavers so that yarn prices ease and workers can spend time with their families before returning,” said Vijay Mangukiya, president of the Surat Weavers’ Association.

Industry Raises Questions Over Timing

Some industry insiders have expressed concern over the timing of the protests and the absence of clear leadership.

“Workers mounted pressure on embroidery units when they had a large backlog of orders. Now the focus is shifting to weaving units, which are handling festive-season orders,” said a businessman.

The developments come as weaving manufacturers continue to deal with high yarn prices and festive-season orders.

Government Monitoring Situation

Government officials are monitoring the situation and have conducted several rounds of meetings with workers and employers to prevent further disputes.

“After meetings with workers and employers, the workers called off the protest. We asked workers to submit complaints, but so far have not received any complaints related to violations of labour laws. We are keeping a close watch on the situation,” said Tejas Parmar, Surat collector.

The labour-related developments are being monitored across the affected textile clusters as employers and workers continue discussions.