The
closure of the textile mills has rendered thousands jobless. But
it has also resulted in the growth of many small units, especially
garment and textile units on the city's outskirts.
There
are more than 40 units employing about 20,000 workers. These factories
produce cloth bed sheets, jeans, cushion and pillow covers, towels
and other home furnishings, primarily for export to European markets.
Many
of SEWA's long-time members, home-based and readymade garment
workers, have started working in these factories.
SEWA
has been organising these workers since 1997. When we learned
of the working conditions of our members, we pressed for inspection
of these factories by the Labour Department. SEWA was to be present
at all inspections to ensure that these were conducted thoroughly,
that all workers' statements were recorded freely and that they
were not dismissed for speaking out. The Labour department agreed
to these joint inspections with SEWA. It was the first time any
union has obtained this permission to be present at factory inspections.
Workers
demanded:
