Garment makers on strike from today

Updated on: 14 March,2011 06:59 AM IST |
Bindiya Carmeline Thomas |

About 800 manufacturing units across the state will down their shutters for 48 hours to protest against the rise in excise duty

About 800 manufacturing units across the state will down their shutters for 48 hours to protest against the rise in excise duty

u00a0
After the nationwide bandh called by retail outlets, it now the garment manufactures who have gone on a strike for two days in protest against the rise in excise duty.

No clothes: Garment retailers too had gone on strike to protest the
rise in excise duty. Pic/Satish Badiger

Over 5 lakh workers employed in about 800 manufacturing units across the state have joined the nationwide strike. This will result to a loss of about Rs 50 crore to the industry from the state. Besides, over 50 lakh workers from about 1.5 lakh will cost the industry approximately Rs 650 crore. The workers also intend to gather at the Gandhi Statue in M G Road to make their protest.

Brijesh Shah, member of the Karnataka Garment Manufacturers Association, said, "Due to the hike in tax, garments will get costlier and it's the consumers who will have to bear the brunt. Conversely, if we don't pass on the extra cost incurred by us to the customers, then it's we who'll have to suffer."

Kumar Rajagopalan, CEO, Retailers Association of India, said, "The strike, for sure, will have an impact on the retail industry in the long run, as recovering from the ensuing loss in production will be quite difficult."

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels