A proposed revision to raise Karnataka’s minimum wage to ₹20,000 reignites the debate on what truly constitutes a fair, need-based wage. Drawing from decades of legal and policy frameworks, this article examines how far current wages—especially in the state’s garment sector—fall short of established norms, and why it’s time to bridge the gap between principle and practice.
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In this edition, we explore how health and safety efforts are shaping the lives of factory and home-based workers across Tamil Nadu. From a follow-up health camp offering nutritional support, to gender-sensitive safety workshops and the toll of 24/7 production, these stories highlight the delicate balance between well-being and livelihood. With firsthand updates from communities, this snapshot captures both progress and persistent challenges in worker welfare.
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Cividep’s 2024 Annual Report highlights a year of deepening worker engagement, advocacy, and digital empowerment. From social media training for electronics sector workers in Tamil Nadu to large-scale community events and policy-driven research, the report showcases efforts to amplify worker voices, promote fair labour practices, and drive systemic change. As India’s manufacturing sector grows, Cividep continues to bridge the gap between economic progress and worker realities, ensuring access to knowledge, networks, and advocacy for better working conditions.
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Can structured dialogue improve workplace relationships in garment factories? Cividep India’s pilot project facilitated discussions between workers and management in Karnataka, uncovering key challenges like power asymmetry and lack of worker representation. While some positive outcomes emerged, sustaining dialogue requires long-term commitment from brands, factory management, and policymakers. Read on to explore the lessons learned and recommendations for fostering meaningful workplace dialogue.
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Cividep India, now in its 24th year, continues to champion ethical labour practices and improved working conditions across global supply chains. In 2024, the organisation marked significant milestones, including the launch of the Workers’ Observatory, a platform amplifying worker voices, and the release of The Home & The World of Work, a report on gender and labour in Karnataka’s apparel industry. With initiatives spanning garment, electronics, and leather sectors, Cividep combines research, advocacy, and community engagement to address issues like low wages, exploitative conditions, and human rights risks. Looking ahead, Cividep remains committed to driving meaningful change for workers across industries.
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