Belgaum: A section of power loom workers in Belgaum went on strike after the owners of a unit refused to consider restoration of wages from Tuesday.

Nearly 150 to 200 workers of a unit in Sapar galli in Vadgaon raised slogans demanding restoration of wages, which were reduced by the management, according to Ravi, one of the striking workers.

Over 800 workers affiliated to Kayakjeevi Coolie Nekarara Sangh had gone on strike in Sulebhavi since November 24. They called off the strike following an assurance of increasing wages by Rs. 3 per sari by the proprietors on Monday.

There are about 1,500 power looms manufacturing polyester saris in Sulebhavi in the district.

The workers, led by Sangh President Shashikant Malgi, its Belgaum unit president Bhimmanna Kanade, and Maruti Dhagennavar had urged the district administration to implement the Factory Act and minimum wages for the power loom workers recently.

Besides, the workers have been demanding welfare measures such as housing, schools and health facilities for children and their family members.

Rebate in power tariff

The protesting workers said the managements of the power loom units had reduced wages from Rs. 4 to Rs. 40 per sari (polyester) citing increase in power tariff more than two years ago.

Although the State Government had conceded a majority of their demands, including subsidised power tariff, which had been brought down from Rs. 3.30 a unit (up to 10 HP connection) to Rs. 1.25 a unit, the managements are unwilling to share the benefit and increased profits with the workers.

The workers told The Hindu that the wages were reduced from Rs. 16 to Rs. 12 in respect of `plain' sari weaving, Rs. 22 to Rs. 18 for "butta" sari, Rs. 35 to Rs. 40 to Rs. 18 to Rs. 22, Rs. 75 to Rs. 35 to Rs. 40 for "running bail" and Rs. 80 to Rs. 40 to Rs. 45 in respect of "chain jakard".

A worker can weave about six plain saris by working on two power looms at a time in 12 to 14 hours. In respect of other saris, it takes a longer time to weave three saris.

The wages for weaving silk saris were cut down from Rs. 10 to Rs. 30 per sari, which includes "plain", "butta", "running bail" and "paithan".

Irrelevant package

The workers said the Government has announced a special package for power loom proprietors but there was nothing for the worker in it.

It was time that the Government looked into the problems of workers and ensure implementation of the Minimum Wages and other facilities available to factory workers.

They will be forced to intensify their struggle otherwise, they said.

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