Despite six rounds of talks on wage revision for garment workers in and around Tirupur district (Tamil Nadu, India), the impasse is still on, with the meeting between factory owners and trade unions on Thursday failing to arrive at a conclusion.
It has been decided that another round of discussions will be held between the two parties on March 30.
At the meeting, speaking on behalf of the manufacturers, the Joint Committee of six associations of knitwear garment manufacturers, including Tirupur Exporters Association (TEA) and South India Hosiery Manufacturers Association, had reiterated its offer of 18 per cent hike in the first year, and three per cent in the second, third and fourth years, respectively. However, representatives of eight major trade unions had demanded a higher raise — 50 per cent hike in the first year, 20 per cent in the second year and 10 per cent each in the third and fourth year — and sought to discuss other issues like Dearness Allowance and basic needs.
“Failing to arrive at any settlement, the next round of talks has been fixed for March 30,” president of Joint Action Committee of trade unions S Duraisamy said.
Also Read – Tamil Nadu Textile Associations agree on 32% wage hike…
Earlier on March 17, negotiations held between the trade unions and textile associations to chalk out a new wage pact for the knitwear workers of Tirupur, had made slight progress, sources said.
Four years ago, in 2012 associations agree on 32 per cent wage hike. The previous four-year wage agreement, signed between various textile associations and trade unions, expired on January 30.
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