Tribunal probes work conditions in garment sector

A national level tribunal has begun probing into the pay,

work and living conditions of Indian garment workers at Bangalore. Until November 25, 2012, a group of 16 garment worker’s trade unions and NGOs from across India presented testimonies on wages, living and working conditions of garment workers.

The $55 billion (Rs 3,04,315 crores) Indian textile and garment industry employs about 35 million workers, and it contributes around four per cent to the country’s GDP; 14 per cent to industrial production; and accounts for 12 per cent of the country’s overall exports. In view of the economic significance of the garment sector, the tribunal will assess whether the workers earn enough to support their families. Based on the testimonies regarding the pay, living and work conditions of the garment workers, the jury of experts would give its judgement.

The jury consists of prominent personalities from different fields like senior journalists and advocates, economists from Jawaharlal Nehru University, members of Permanent People’s Tribunal from Italy and senior international labour standards’ experts.