The garment sector is known for the absence of trade unions and also collectively bargained agreements on working conditions between management and workers. Absence of workers’ organisations is an important reason for the appalling working conditions in this sector. Though most voluntary codes mention freedom of association and right to collective bargaining as indicators of good labour standards, managements have many ways to thwart workers’ attempts to organise.

The South India Coalition for the Rights of Garment Workers, a loose network of civil society organisations supporting garment workers’ rights, recognized the need for autonomous workers’ organisations to represent their interests with the management as well as the government. The Coalition, while taking up issues of the workers with the government agencies and managements in extreme cases of violations, also encouraged collectivization of workers through regular training programmes for workers leaders.

Garment and Textile Workers’ Union (GATWU) took shape as a result of this shared recognition among workers and support organisations of the need for trade unions in the garment sector. GATWU seeks to be the independent voice of garment workers to represent their interests. It collaborates with other trade unions, civil society organisations and campaigns to improve the working conditions in this sector. GATWU bases its strength in union power as well as the wider social alliance of those disadvantaged by unregulated economic globalisation.

Contact GATWU at gatwu@rediffmail.com