Garment sector workers

In Bangalore's garment industry, where women make up the majority of the workforce, there are numerous challenges. Over the past 5-10 years, a big chunk of these garment workers, about 75%, comes from Odisha, Jharkhand, and Chhattisgarh, according to Fedina, one of our partners. Shockingly, fifty to sixty percent of these workers are the sole earners in their families. These workers face a range of problems, with low wages being a major issue, often making it tough to cover basic living expenses. Working long hours adds to their fatigue and health concerns, and the uncertainty of contract-based jobs only makes things harder. Safety worries, like poor ventilation and lighting, add to their challenges.
Getting important social security benefits, like health insurance and provident funds, is still a struggle for many in this workforce. Some workers face mistreatment, both verbally and physically, but fear of losing their jobs makes reporting such incidents difficult. Limited chances for skill development also hinder career growth within the garment sector.
Female workers face additional challenges, dealing with gender-based discrimination and harassment. With few unions around, there's not enough collective support for better rights and conditions. Traveling to work can be tough, especially for those relying on irregular or unsafe public transportation.
Language differences, especially for migrant workers, make it hard for them to communicate effectively with employers. Solving these issues needs a team effort involving employers, government authorities, and advocacy groups. This collaborative approach is vital to ensuring the well-being, rights, and improved working conditions for garment industry workers in Bangalore.