A Glance Into The Lives Of Workers With Bite-Sized Stories From Factories, Homes & Communities
Passing the buck in good times and in bad: Facing a downturn in business since 2022, an electronics factory in Sriperumbudur navigated challenges by adopting questionable labour practices. The workforce dwindled from 3000 to 1000 employees due to the termination of numerous contract workers last year. Operating only 3-4 days a week, the factory granted up to four days’ unpaid leave during non-functional periods for contract workers. Permanent employees were compelled to dip into their accrued leave for compensation on non-working days. The absence of a lay-off system, where workers could be eligible for 50% of their basic wages on no-production days, has left employees in a vulnerable position. Despite a recent order from an international digital communications technology brand, the factory persists in relying on contract workers and plans to recruit an additional 3000 in the near future.
Building Unity Through Compact Alliances: In a move to enhance worker solidarity and encourage collective empowerment, 2 of Cividep’s grassroots partner organisations Sadhana and Samruddhi have launched 3 Self-Help Groups (SHGs) for garment workers in rural Bengaluru. Each of the SHGs comprise 20 workers each, and their meetings will be hosted at the local Workers’ Resource Center (WRC) (as shown in pic) supported by Azim Premji Philanthropic Initiatives (APPI). In addition to having its members collectively deposit money into the bank, these gatherings will serve as a platform to enhance awareness about labour laws and other educational activities.
Piecing Together the Piece-rate Shift: Field Officers from Cividep’s partner organisations in Bengaluru are continuing to track the surge in piece-rate work in the local garment industry. Notably, these seem to be prevalent in factories catering to the domestic market. Moreover, workers from export-oriented factories are also gravitating towards piecework opportunities, enticed by flexible schedules and the potential for higher earnings. However, some workers have voiced concerns about the lack of health insurance and the absence of social security benefits in the realm of piece-rate employment
Bonds Beyond Work: The Worker Resource Center (WRC) run by Cividep’s partner organisation Samruddhi recently celebrated the Ayudha Pooja festival within their premises It brought together not just staff members but also several garment workers. Together, they performed a Pooja for all office equipment at the WRC, and distributed sweets (as seen in lead picture). The workers appreciated the opportunity to be part of a communal event that transcended the usual training programs.
Updates: Gokhularaj R., Pramod Kumar
Images: APPI field team
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