Surat: Owners of embroidery units in the city held a meeting on Monday to discuss workers’ demands for a paid weekly off and restrictions on working hours, with representatives from around 2,000 units participating.The meeting was organised by the Textile Embroidery Jobwork Association of Surat (Tejas). Association leaders said that any changes to the existing working system would have to be implemented in a manner that allows embroidery units to continue operating as required by the industry.Workers have been demanding changes in working hours, including an eight-hour working day, as well as a paid weekly off. They have said that reduced working hours would allow them to spend more time with their families. However, unit owners said the demands were difficult to implement under the current business model.The issue has already led to protests. Recently, workers resorted to stone pelting at Amroli. They also took out a rally and submitted a representation to the district collector seeking action on their demands.“An eight-hour shift is not affordable for embroidery unit owners. If workers want, we can offer them a six-hour shift because we have to run the units for 24 hours,” said Hitesh Bhikadiya, president of Tejas.The association also proposed extended vacations for workers. According to Bhikadiya, unit owners are willing to provide a 30-day summer vacation and a 20-day Diwali vacation, along with a daily payment of Rs 200 during the leave period.“We are ready to pay them if they want paid leave. Workers also get leave during weeks when we have to keep the units closed. However, as per their demand, we cannot provide a paid weekly off,” Bhikadiya said.The Tejas meeting came after Friday’s meeting convened by the labour department, where representatives of various textile industry segments were called to discuss the issue.Labour department officials told unit owners that they were required to comply with applicable labour rules and that action could be taken against units if complaints were received and violations were found.Tejas leaders, however, urged officials to verify complaints and conduct inquiries before taking action against units.SGCCI to take up issue with state govtSouthern Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SGCCI) is scheduled to take up the issue with the state leadership on Tuesday. A meeting of embroidery unit owners has been called at SGCCI, following which the chamber is expected to submit a representation to the govt.“The demands of the association will be sent to the govt and concerned department for consideration. We are working to resolve the issues between the industry and workers,” said Ashok Jirawala, president of SGCCI.SGCCI office-bearers also attended the Tejas meeting on Monday and shared their views on the ongoing dispute between embroidery unit owners and workers.
