TEA warns against garment agitation in Tirupur if PF amendment not withdrawn

Migrant workers in 3 factories protested against management earlier against the PF decision

The Tirupur Exporters' Association has warned the centre that Bengaluru garment agitation may spread to the textile industry in Tirupur, affecting exports and foreign exchange, if the amendment is not withdrawn.

In a letter to Union Minister of State for Labour and Employment Bandaru Dattatreya, the association said that it has represented to the minister earlier that the notification issued on February 10, 2016, has created a lot of ripples in Tirupur knitwear garment cluster. 

The cluster employs 4 lakh workers directly, out of which, 70% are women.

A Sakthivel, TEA President, said, "We are shocked to note that the workers employed with garment factories in Bangalore have resorted to strike yesterday and today, agitating over the amendments made through the controversial PF notification and we apprehend that this may spread to Tirupur also in due course of the time which will totally affect not only the export but also the foreign exchange earned by the garment sectors."

Sakhtivel said the problem has already started in three garment factories in Tirupur and the workers from North India protested against the management over the amendment. 

"We are more concerned about the meeting of delivery schedule as per the commitment given to buyer and any deviation from this will not only affect the financial side but also the reliable supplier crediability in the eyes of buyer and there is a possibility of losing the future orders," he said.

The association requested the minister to take immediate action to withdraw the controversial amendment made in the provident fund scheme, instead of deferring for three months relaxation period, mainly to protect workers and exports.

"We apprehend that any late decision may create unwanted incidents in Tirupur garment units also," concluded the letter.

If things fail to turn in their favour, a lot of people will be affected, majority being women workers.