Indefinite strike by Tamil Nadu powerloom job workers continues

COIMBATORE: The indefinite strike by powerloom job working unit owners in Coimbatore and Tirupur districts, demanding withdrawal of risen power tariff, is still continuing and it entered sixth day yesterday. This strike has lead to a loss of production of more than 1.25-crore metres of fabrics on one single day.

More than two lakh powerlooms in these districts are protesting as they are demanding reduction of risen power tariff. They are voicing against the disconnection of power supply to those who have not paid the present consumption charges, as part of their strike, said Palanisamy, President, Somanur Powerloom job working unit owners association.

Furthermore, as the job workers were facing problems to make both the ends meet due to the low wages being alloted by the cloth traders and also contractors, the 110% rise in the power tariff is impacting the workers, who are also farmers, overall five-lakh people, both directly and indirectly and business worth more than Rs 30 crore per day.

The production stoppage would impact the supply of school uniforms, saris and dhotis to be disbursed under the Government's scheme and also textile business across India.