Tiruppur Powerloom Weavers Declare Indefinite Strike From March 19 Over Wage Hike Demand

Tiruppur and neighbouring Coimbatore serve as key textile hubs, with approximately 2.5 lakh powerlooms producing 1.25 crore metres of fabric daily.

The strike is expected to disrupt the sector, leading to an estimated daily loss of Rs 35 crore.

Source : Pixabay

Powerloom weavers in Tiruppur have announced an indefinite strike from March 19, pressing for a wage increase to offset rising operational costs. The Tiruppur District Job-Working Powerloom Weavers Association, which represents around 1.5 lakh members, has been staging protests, urging textile manufacturers to revise wages in line with escalating expenses.

According to association treasurer SE Boopathy, weavers have been struggling with increasing costs over the past three years. "We are demanding a new wage hike because expenses have increased significantly in the past three years. Power tariffs, building rent, powerloom spare parts, and workers' wages have all risen sharply," he stated, as per IANS.

Tiruppur and neighbouring Coimbatore serve as key textile hubs, with approximately 2.5 lakh powerlooms producing 1.25 crore metres of fabric daily. The strike is expected to disrupt the sector, leading to an estimated daily loss of Rs 35 crore.

Divided On Wage Revision Demand

Historically, powerloom wages in the region have been revised every three years through discussions involving manufacturers, weavers, and local authorities. In 2022, an agreement was reached for a 15% wage hike, but workers claim it was not fully implemented, fueling frustration among the workforce, reported The New Indian Express.

The weavers’ demands, however, remain divided. One faction, including the Tiruppur and Coimbatore Powerloom Weavers Association, is calling for the enforcement of the 2022 agreement. Meanwhile, another group is advocating for a fresh wage revision, citing continued cost increases.

Local authorities are attempting to broker a resolution. Tamil Nadu Labour Department Assistant Commissioner S Prema acknowledged the challenge, stating, as per IANS, "One section of weavers wants the previously agreed-upon 2022 hike, while another demands a fresh increase. We are working to build a consensus, as negotiations cannot proceed with divided opinions."

The strike’s impact extends beyond direct industry workers. Over 4 lakh individuals are employed in the powerloom sector, with another 3 lakh relying on it indirectly. A prolonged shutdown could significantly affect the region’s economy, disrupting not just textile production but also supply chains and related businesses.