Ranchi Garment Workers Stage Protest Over Unpaid Salaries for Two Months
In a significant labor unrest incident, more than 500 employees of a private garment manufacturer, Orient Craft Fashion Industries Limited, staged a protest on Tuesday in Ranchi's Khelgaon area. The workers gathered outside the company's premises, alleging non-payment of salaries for the past two months, which has led to severe financial distress for their families.
Protest Halts Operations, Highlights Wage Delays
The large number of workers assembled in the morning, partially halting operations for the day as they demanded clearance of their pending dues. The protestors claimed that the company is not only delaying their wages but also violating their rights by making them work extra hours without due compensation.
Saraswati Kumari, an employee who joined the protest along with her colleagues, stated, "We have not received salaries for February and March. This delay has caused immense hardship for our families, who depend on these earnings for daily necessities."
Company Acknowledges Issues, Cites Export Setbacks
Orient Craft Fashion Industries Limited employs around 2,000 workers, with approximately 95% of them being women. Acknowledging the claims, the company's General Manager of Human Resources, Ravi Bhusan, explained that the garment export business has faced setbacks due to the ongoing conflict in West Asia.
Bhusan said, "We have promised the employees that their February dues would be cleared by next Monday. The management has also called a meeting with workers on Wednesday to discuss their issues and find a resolution."
Broader Implications for Labor Rights and Industry
This protest underscores broader concerns about labor rights in the garment manufacturing sector, where delays in salary payments can disproportionately affect women workers. The incident highlights the need for stricter enforcement of wage laws and better support for employees during economic downturns.
As the situation develops, stakeholders are watching closely to see if the company fulfills its promise to clear dues and address the workers' grievances in the upcoming meeting.
