Surat: After protests by embroidery workers seeking eight-hour shifts and a paid weekly off, workers in weaving units have begun raising similar demands, including higher wages. In response, the Federation of Gujarat Weavers Welfare Association (FOGWWA) has advised unit owners to remain calm and resolve issues directly with workers.Small numbers of workers have stayed away from work in the textile clusters of Sayan, Pandesara and Sachin over the past three days. Industry sources also said that more workers are leaving the city for holidays, with many planning extended vacations.After the embroidery workers’ protests and the labour department’s directive to employers to comply with labour laws, embroidery unit owners have called a mass meeting.FOGWWA meanwhile advised weavers not to react to any provocation by workers and to discuss concerns and seek amicable solutions.“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 say certain elements are trying to disrupt textile manufacturing, creating mistrust in what has traditionally been a cordial relationship between employers and workers. The posters urge 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.In parts of Surat district, some weavers are considering a 15-day Diwali vacation. Weaving units typically shut for around five days during the festival. Amid high yarn prices and worker unrest, some unit owners are considering 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 insiders raised concerns about the timing of the protests, noting the absence of any 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.Govt officials are monitoring the situation and have held several rounds of meetings to prevent disputes between workers and employers.“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.
