As the third round of talks on wage revision failed, power loom workers in Jakkampatti and Subbulapuram in Andipatti block intensified their 20-day-old agitation on Tuesday. Around 1,000 workers took out a protest march to the Sub-Collector’s Office in Andipatti from Murugan theatre, pressing for their nine-point charter of demands which included wage revision and basic facilities and amenities at work places.
They handed over a petition to officials in the taluk office. The officials assured them that they would convene a peace talk with power loom owners in the presence of the Sub-Collector on Wednesday.
Already, the Joint Commissioner of Labour in Dindigul had agreed to convene the fourth round of talks on Thursday. The workers demanded 50 per cent hike in wage, 20 per cent bonus, ESI coverage and toilet facilities for men and women workers at work places. Power loom weavers in Jakkampatti and Subbulapuram have been manufacturing saris and dhotis on a large scale. More than 2,000 workers have been engaging in textile production in Andipatti block.
The workers and members of various trade unions have been striking work since January 1. Textile production was completely paralysed. The third round of talks held in Dindigul Labour Welfare Office on Monday, ended in a deadlock.
If the power loom owners refused to accept the workers’ demands, they would intensify their agitation, said CITU leader Ramar.
