Jute mill workers stage protests over non-payment of dues during lockdown

Total outstanding pegged at Rs 250 cr; a section of trade unions threatens hunger strike if wages are not cleared

Jute workers today protested outside the mills seeking payment of dues during the lockdown period. In total, the wage bill of the jute industry during the lockdown period is more than Rs 250 crore.

A section of trade unions have also threatened to go on hunger strike if the dues are not cleared.

Jute mills employ about 150 thousand workers, including a large number of contract labourers.

Only two mills have paid workers during the lockdown period.

According to Raghav Gupta, Chairman, IJMA (Indian Jute Mills Association), the turnover loss of the mills during the lockdown period is close to Rs 700 crore.  

Jute workers