KOCHI: Despite tall claims by the labour department and state women’s commission, violation of labour norms and exploitation of women staff in garment shops continue. The latest is the protest called by the sales staff of a leading garment store in Alappuzha.
The incident indicates that there has not been any improvement even after the raids conducted by authorities and the strict warning given to shop owners to comply with labour norms.
A group of women staff of the leading te-xtile brand has been on a agitation since Saturday alleging violation of labour laws and human rights by the shop owner. The work force of over 50 women staff are made to work for than 12 hour shifts and are not allowed to sit.
“A fine is imposed for using the lift, talking to colleagues and even for taking more time than allowed in bathrooms. The accommodation facility provided to the employees is in a dire situation with no basic facilities. Even the most experienced sales staff gets a meagre salary of Rs 7500,” alleged the employees who are agitating.
CPM leader and former finance minister Dr T.M. Thomas Isaac came out in support of the employees and expressed solidarity through his Facebook page.
Meanwhile, women’s commission member Lissy Jose told DC that the next sitting of the commission will take up the matter before which a showcause notice would be served on the textile owner.
Last year, in the wake of a strong agitation, the Human Rights Commission had ordered that shop owners sho-uld ensure the right of sales staff to sit during duty hours and also to provide them statutory benefits and facilities.
But when labour department officials conducted a surprise inspection on textile shops across the state, they found that the situation had not changed for the better and the sales staff and the shops had failed to put in place a system to ensure safety and welfare of employees.
