After more than 4,000 workers’ protested on March 1, almond workers called for an indefinite strike in the godowns of Karawal Nagar, Delhi.
Pay hike and fixed work hours are two of their eleven demands that are the most significant. These laborers typically work more than 12 hours a day and are paid ₹ 2 per kg for the almonds they peel.
Almond worker, Lalit who worked for past 20 years said, “We had to protest in 2012 to get a raise and our wages were raised to ₹ 2 per kg. Back then, godown owners promised that rates would be hiked by a rupee every year. It’s been 12 years since and there have been no raises. Now we want those ₹ 12.”
Another worker said, “We are protesting for our rights. We deserve a hike. Our godown owners treat us poorly and make us work extra hours. We have been demanding a hike for quite some time but they refuse to raise our wages. They have to listen to us or our strike will continue.”
Devendra, a godown owner, said, “I had to shut down my godown. They could have told us they wanted a raise. We could have considered. Instead, they went on a strike.”
Another godown owner Harinder Singh said they are willing to raise the wages but can’t because of a lack of consistent profit.
Another worker said, “On March 11, our rally was attacked and 10 people were hospitalised. We went to the police but they did not help us. On March 13, goons went to the homes of some of the protesters and threatened them.”
A few of the protesting migrant workers said their landlords had threatened them and ordered them to kick them out.
Police added that they had been attempting to speak with the godown owners and employees in the meanwhile. According to the Karawal Nagar Station House Officer, cops have been sent to the location to uphold law and order as they investigate the protestors allegations.
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