Date:21/11/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/11/21/stories/2007112154690500.htm

Tamil Nadu - Erode

50 per cent weavers resume work

Staff Reporter

ERODE: Fifty per cent powerloom weavers resumed work on Tuesday after the 22-day-old strike by the weavers in Chennimalai ended on Sunday night. Only 20 per cent had come to work on Monday. The strike was called off following a two-hour discussion the weavers had with Handlooms and Textiles Minister N.K.K.P. Raja.

Fifteen thousand and odd powerloom weavers of Chennimalai were on strike from October 27 demanding wage revision and a higher quantum of bonus. More than five rounds of talks were held between the powerloom owners and the weavers before Deepavali.

Workers belonging to DMK joined duty, but those owing allegiance to AIADMK, MDMK, CPI, Congress and DMDK abstained from work. They also submitted memoranda to the District Collector.

Following discussions on Sunday the owners agreed to 8.50 per cent wage hike and 8.15 per cent bonus for the current year and 8.33 percent for next year. A final settlement was signed by the employers and the employees in the presence of the Minister.

Since many weavers were not aware of the settlement on Sunday night, they could not come to duty on Monday and only 20 per cent of the looms started working. It is expected that by Wednesday all workers will join work.