Surat Industrial Workers Protest at Collector’s Office, Demand 8-Hour Shifts And Sunday Holiday
Summarized by AI; it may make mistakes. Check important info
Summarized by AI; it may make mistakes. Check important info
A large number of workers from various industrial units in Surat city and district gathered at the Collector’s Office to protest against alleged exploitation and long working hours. The workers demanded an eight-hour daily shift and a holiday every Sunday, saying they could no longer continue working for 12 hours a day.
The protest was organised by labour unions representing workers from several industrial sectors, including dyeing, printing, embroidery, zari and looms.
‘We Work 12 Hours, There Is No Time To Sleep Or Cook’
More than 10 lakh workers are employed across Surat’s industrial sectors, according to the unions.
During the protest, one worker said the demand was simple — an eight-hour workday and a weekly Sunday holiday.
“We are also human beings,” the worker said, alleging that working 12 hours every day leaves workers with little time to sleep, eat, cook or manage their daily lives.
The worker also criticised the administration for repeatedly postponing discussions and said workers would not accept the situation any longer.
Workers Refuse To Leave Collector’s Office
The administration had called the workers for a meeting on Monday, but the protesters initially refused to leave the Collector’s Office premises.
As tensions continued, ACP Vijay Malhotra reached the spot and appealed to the workers to maintain peace and not take the law into their own hands.
He told those willing to negotiate with the administration to leave the premises and attend the meeting scheduled for Monday.
Police, Labour Leaders Persuade Protesters
Following repeated appeals from police officials and labour movement leaders, the workers gradually dispersed from the Collector’s Office.
The agitation has intensified amid demands for shorter working hours and a fixed weekly holiday for workers employed in Surat’s industrial units. The workers are expected to raise their demands during the meeting with the administration on Monday.
