Over 4,000 almond workers in Delhi go on strike over pay hike, fixed working hours

Almond workers protest in Delhi since March 1

New Delhi:

More than 4,000 workers started protesting on March 1, with almond workers at Delhi’s Karawal Nagar warehouse calling for an indefinite strike.

Among their 11 demands, two key ones are salary increases and fixed working hours. The workers are paid Rs 2 per kilogram for peeling almonds and often work more than 12 hours a day.

Lalita, who has been working as an almond worker for the past 20 years, said: “In 2012, we had to protest to get a wage hike and our wages were raised to Rs 2 per kg. At that time, the warehouse owner promised that for every rupee increase in wages. “This year. It’s been 12 years with no raise. Now we want 12 rupees. “

Ranju, another worker, told New Delhi TV, “We are protesting for our rights. We deserve a salary increase. Our warehouse owners treat us badly and make us work overtime. We have been demanding a salary increase for some time but they refused to increase it.” Our wages.” They must listen to us or our strike will continue. “

Like many others, Lalita and Ranju arrive at the warehouse on time at 4 am every day and return home at 6 pm, earning only Rs 150 to 200 per day.

The protesters are now demanding a strict eight-hour working day policy, payment of Rs 12 for every kilogram of almonds peeled, and that they should be paid between the first and fifth of every month.

The warehouse in Karaval Nagar was closed due to workers’ strike. While some warehouse owners are distressed by the losses, others say they have other businesses that can make up for the losses.

“I had to close my warehouse. They could have told us they wanted a raise. We could have thought about it. But they went on strike,” warehouse owner Devendra told New Delhi TV.

Harinder Singh, another warehouse owner, said they are willing to increase wages but cannot due to lack of sustained profits.

“How can I pay if I don’t have money? I’m not worried about the warehouse being closed. I have other businesses that can make up for the losses. As far as working hours are concerned, the workers are doing what they want. We can’t force them to work overtime,” he said.

While workers and warehouse owners were at odds with each other, protesters alleged that miscreants attacked them, forcing them to break off the strike.

A staff member who asked not to be named said: “On March 11, our rally was attacked and 10 people were hospitalized. We called the police, but they did not help us. On March 13, rioters went to some rallygoers’ home.” protesters and threatened them. “

Some migrant workers taking part in the protests claimed that their landlords were threatened and told to forcibly evict the workers.

Meanwhile, police said they have been trying to get warehouse owners and workers to talk. Karawal Nagar station officials said they were verifying the protesters’ claims and police were deployed at the spot to ensure law and order was maintained.