Visakhapatnam Special Economic Zone DC calls for talks on April 21

Visakhapatnam: Development Commissioner of Visakhapatnam Special Economic Zone Sobhana KS Rao, who is also Commissioner for Industrial Disputes Act-1947, asked the heads of apparel units in Brandix India Apparel City to attend conciliation meeting to be held at VSEZ Conference Hall on April 21.

Earlier in the day, CEO Brandix India Apparel City Raghupathi, Director Sri Lanka operations Feroz Omar and Development Commissioner of Visakhapatnam Special Economic Zone Sobhana KS Rao held talks with the District Collector regarding the ongoing strike by the workers of Brandix and other apparel units on Tuesday.

Earlier, the Collector held talks with the Brandix India Apparel City workers who went on a flash strike from Friday demanding higher wages. The Collector on Tuesday told some senior workers at Pendurthy Training Centre that the district administration has informed the State government about their demands and they would be looked into soon for an amicable solution.

He appealed them to get back to the work as the company would not be paying them any paid holiday. He said if the women faced any problems in the work place, it should be immediately informed to his office or DRDA for redressal. He told them not to stretch the issue too far as it would be difficult for them to get employment of this nature anywhere else .

Demands can be made and forwarded to the authorities concerned without resorting to any strikes and agitations, the Collector told them. The women workers narrated their financial problems and harassment at the workplace. They said they resorted to strike fearing that the salary would remain static.

The women assured the Collector that they would stick to his advice and resume their work. However, many women said they would continue with the strike till the wages were hiked. Only a few workers attended the Collector’s meeting while majority of them skipped the talks.