Towards A Worker-Led Think Tank: A Gethu

Pradeep Narayanan of Partners in Change introduces the idea behind Gethu ~ a garment workers’ think tank

The garment supply chain is vast – from cotton farming to stitching and packaging, the making of a ready-made garment involves a diverse range of skilled workers. We have been working across the supply chain of garment workers and are learning from them about the skills, techniques and science of making school uniforms. Over the period, a small group of 15 workers have formed a cohesive group. The group calls themselves Geth’u, which in Tamil means ‘proud’ or ‘hearty’. Incidentally, The workers named their group so to demonstrate the ‘power’ they have – because they are becoming a knowledge think-tank on the garment industry. There are probably a number of industry think tanks comprising academicians, employers and owners. Rarely, one may see a sector think tank with representation of workers across the supply chain from cotton to the stitching segment. They are, in that sense, geth’u!

Labour Day resolution from Gethu Group

These are very difficult times for workers, especially for workers from the garment sector, and more specifically those from small-scale enterprises and cottage industries.

01 மே 2020 – தொழிலாளர் தின தீர்மானம்.

கெத்து குரூப்– தமிழ்நாடு

இன்று பின்னலாடைத் துறை போராடி வருகிறது. குறிப்பாக சிறிய அளவிலான நிறுவனங்கள் மற்றும் குடிசைத் தொழில்கள் மிகவும் பாதிக்கப்பட்டுள்ளது. தமிழ்நாட்டில் தமிழ்நாடு

Quick actions necessary as threat of bondage looms

Analysis Report Of Information Collected From Garment Workers In Dindigul During The COVID-19 Lockdown

Data collection by Vaanavil Research Collective (until 5 April 2020)  
Data Analysis by Gethu Group

1. INTRODUCTION

Vaanavil research collective organised a dipstick study with 21 garment workers and 51 villagers in 7 villages in Dindigul district. Workers were interviewed on aspects including receipt of salary and on EPF deductions. Villagers were asked about PDS, Jan Dhan accounts and other schemes announced by the Government. Workers were interviewed on April 2-3, 2020 and villagers were interviewed on April 3-5, 2020.

Menstruation at the Workplace: Demand for Recognition

The challenges faced by menstruating women are among the least discussed problems in workspaces and in public spaces. Often there is an uncomfortable smile among people whenever this issue gets talked about. Menstrual cramps are painful that affect many women before and during a menstrual period. Typically the cramping pain starts in the lower abdomen one to two days before menstrual bleeding begins. It then peaks after 24 hours and may last for a further two to three days after that. Some women can also experience nausea, an upset stomach or dizziness, as well as pain in their lower back and thighs

Coronavirus Relief Package: Key Entitlements

This post looks at the availability of government schemes and entitlements to help workers combat the 21-day lockdown in view of the Coronavirus Pandemic  

While the first coronavirus affected person was detected in late January 2020, the spread became more threatening in early March, 2020. And by mid-March, the nation-wide lockdown was announced. While everyone is taking precautions to limit the spread of the virus, the lockdowns are likely to hit the contract workers and daily wage labourer the most. The Government of India and various state Governments has announced many relief packages in March 2020 which would become applicable for all workers.

Accessing Employee Provident Scheme: Challenges faced by workers

Workers are entitled to various rights based on different laws. The need is to protect those rights and entitlements. Similarly, there is also a need to demand for new sets of entitlements owing to changing situations and to adhere to global human rights conventions and good practices.