Surat: Textile embroidery workers’ unions in Surat have warned of wider protests as their dispute with employers sharpens over demands for labour code implementation, including paid weekly offs, minimum wages and regulated working hours. Union leaders also cautioned that parts of the industry could move to states offering stronger infrastructure and incentives.Tensions rose on Saturday after worker representative Ajay Dubey was detained by police while leaving his home to attend a meeting at Shramjivi Sevalay with other labour leaders. Dubey alleged that police were waiting outside his residence and took him to Dindoli police station.The Indian National Trade Union Congress (INTUC), which has been holding discussions with worker leaders over the past several days, called a joint meeting on Sunday to chart its strategy for future demonstrations.INTUC Gujarat president Naishadh Desai said the Textile Embroidery Jobwork Association of Surat (TEJAS) was convening meetings of unit owners and “instigating them against workers”. He reiterated the union’s demand for the implementation of labour codes.Desai also pointed to subsidy and tax benefits offered by other states, saying several regions provide better investment conditions and are actively seeking workers. He warned that if the workforce is not “handled properly”, the industry could shift operations elsewhere.Workers are seeking an eight-hour shift and a paid weekly off, with many demanding Sunday as the holiday. They also want wages for an eight-hour workday to match what they earlier earned for a 12-hour shift.Desai said labour codes provide for minimum wages and one weekly off, though all workers in a unit need not necessarily take the holiday on the same day.Some worker leaders disagreed. Worker representative Malkhan Verma said most workers wanted Sunday as the weekly off and that any unit closure arising from the demand was the owner’s responsibility.“This tangle has been continuing for three months and despite seeking help from Southern Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the South Gujarat Productivity Council, they did not take actions to resolve the issue which is disturbing the trade atmosphere in the region,” said Desai.Union representatives said they oppose strikes, vandalism and violence and would continue peaceful protests focused on labour code implementation. They also demanded the withdrawal of police cases filed against about 250 workers booked during recent protests.
