Close to 1000 women garment workers and construction labourers marched in Bengaluru on Tuesday, which is International Labour Day for their rights and a fair living wage, among other demands. The rally was organised by the Garment Labour Union, affiliated to the Hind Mazdoor Sabha. 

The women marched from Kanteerava Studio signal to TVS Cross in Peenya, demanding that garment manufacturers pay workers a minimum wage of Rs 18,000 per month. They presently earn about Rs 8000.

The demands of the workers includes housing support, a grievance cell which will be set up by the government for women, and bridging the gender wage gap in the garment industry. They also called on the owners to improve upon their working conditions, and that the Visakha Guidelines be implemented in organisations. 

Speaking at the event, Saroja, the General Secretary of the Garment Labour Union pointed out that the women face all forms of harassment at their workplace. 

“Women employees face physical, mental and sexual harassment daily. We do not know whom to report these incidents to, and the few brave women who want to speak out are suppressed. Gender-based violence still exists and the salaries aren’t dispersed if they bring attention to the problems,” she said.

The minimum wage has been hiked by the Karnataka government only four times in the last few decades, but garment workers don’t even earn that, and struggle to earn a living wage.

“Living in a city like Bengaluru, it is hard to make ends meet with the salary we get. The garment sector might be classified as organised due to the infrastructure, but the employees are unorganised. We are asking what is rightfully ours, which is being denied.”

A campaign was also launched to draw attention to the violence inflicted on women workers, and garment employees hope that brands and organisations will not be oblivious to the struggles they face. Few multinational brands have already pledged their support, said Saroja.