The State’s successive governments, according to women working in the clothing industry, have allegedly failed to safeguard their interests. They claim that authorities’ indifference has compelled them to keep fighting for a fair wage and a better working environment.
Over 4.25 lakh persons in the State are working in garment factories, 2.75 lakh of them work in various industries in Bengaluru, making them a sizable portion of the electorate.
Between 85% and 90% of the workers in the sector are women. Sector employees demand that political parties outline welfare plans in their manifestos and implement them if they win elections.
Despite the Minimum Wages Act, Jayamma, a 47-year-old garment worker from Banashankari, said, “We are earning $11,000 per month. Not at all enough to cover our family’s expenses. Our salaries have stayed constant for years even as the cost of necessities like food and clothing rises.
The cost of going alone in the city, she continued, exceeds $1,000 per month. “There are no reliable transportation services in our factory, so ladies must travel great distances on foot. The problems encountered by those who work in the apparel industry should be addressed by whoever takes office.
Free bus permits for garment workers were launched by the State government last year, but the programme was allegedly introduced improperly and did not prove successful.
The government requested that the factory management pay 40% of the cost of the bus, but the responses were unimpressive.
a mid-40s-old garment worker named Neelamma said, “My Years ago, the entire family relocated to Bengaluru in search of better employment possibilities. Poor wages makes it too challenging to pay for necessities. My two college-bound children and I are unable to cover the costs. Future leaders should consider those who are similar to us.
no cyclical revision
The authorities are buying time to modify the pay for garment workers, according to Prathiba R., president of the Garment and Textile Workers’ Union, despite a High Court judgement.
“Successful government disregarded garment workers by neglecting to revise their wages on a regular basis. The governments give in to pressure from the factory management and either delay or forego the change. We are forced to choose. to walk up to the court. The women who work in the industry, however, experience workplace harassment. The women’s commission and the concerned departments should take proactive steps to stop workplace harassment.
She responded, “We made multiple attempts to reach out to political parties and brief them about the challenges experienced by the garment workers. I don’t think political parties are particularly interested on addressing the issues faced in their manifestos. However, we were unable to speak with the relevant leaders.
Safety concerns
The head of the Garment Labour Union, Rukmini, responded to suggestions that women be let to work night shifts by asking, “What kind of safety can we expect at night when workers are harassed in broad daylight?”
According to her, some women are not even allowed to leave their equipment while within the production area to obtain a glass of water.
We won’t work a night shift unless all safety measures have been done, she insisted.
Ms. Rukmini urged the new administration to place a high priority on worker safety and aggressively enforce regulations that safeguard them.
