Thousands of labourers from Arvind Mills gathered on Monday in the state capital, Gandhinagar, protesting against the company. The labourers have been on strike for the last few weeks over complaints of breaches of labour laws by the company, inadequate wages, and exploitation.
A group of representatives of the labourers met the Assistant Labour Commissioner Shruti Modi. The hearing lasted for 45 minutes, after which the representatives were assured that further hearings would take place in the presence of Arvind Mills officials.
The labourers were satisfied with the response from the Labour Office and are hopeful that the strike will conclude soon and an amicable solution will be reached with the company.
Minimum wages
Kheda-based social activist, advocate, and politician Mahipatsinh Chauhan led the labourers in the meeting. Chauhan said the labourers are only demanding minimum wages as per the law. He assured the labourers of action against any unfair steps taken by the company.
A large number of policemen were deployed in Gandhinagar due to the presence of thousands of labourers. However, the protest remained peaceful.
Labourers went on strike at Arvind Mills Santej unit recently. The reasons were exploitation, no fixed work hours and no increments. The company has witnessed such strikes in the past over the same issues.
In response to the strike, the company informed the public that operations of the Santej plant were partially affected. It said it is in the process of amicable resolution of the issue.
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