Bengaluru-based garment factory workers are bearing the brunt of forced resignations, if the survey conducted by Garment and Textiles Workers’ Union (GATWU) and Alternative Law Forum (ALF) is to be believed.
The survey was conducted amongst workers of 25 garment factories in and around Bengaluru and it is estimated that around 50 to 62 per cent of the workforce lost their jobs (forcefully) in 2020.
Researchers indicated that at least 30,000 workers were employed in the 25 factories picked for the study titled ‘Forced Resignations, Stealthy Closures’.
The study also mentioned that the workers at 17 out of the 25 factories had been asked to resign by the company and found various ‘coercive situations constructed by factory managements’ which left workers with no choice but to quit.
They were also told that they would be deprived of a final settlement if they hadn’t resigned when the factories were shutting down during coronavirus lockdown, stopping bus transport provided to them, and promising workers of re-employment once the situation stabilises.
81 per cent of the respondents to the survey said they had resigned, while others were protesting the factory closure or were yet to resign. Amongst those who had resigned, 85 per cent admitted that they did so on being asked by the factory management.
According to the report, some workers, due to financial crunch, had also shifted their children from private to government schools.