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.

Key Challenges in Accessing Schemes by Garment Sector Workers

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Garment Sector Underrepresentation: Unveiling the Disparity

ESI Accessibility Challenges:

Challenges in Provident Fund (PF) and Gratuity Processes for Garment Workers:

Casual Leave Restrictions:

Vulnerability of Pregnant Workers:

Decade-Long Stagnation and Inadequate Compensation

Unpaid Overtime and High Production Pressure:

Duality in Formal Classification: Informality Challenges Faced by Garment Sector Workers

While garment sector workers are officially classified as part of the "Formal Sector," their working conditions and practices often mirror those found in the informal sector. Despite the formal classification, several aspects contribute to the similarity with the informal sector:

In essence, despite the formal classification, the challenges and practices experienced by garment sector workers often align more closely with those in the informal sector. This duality reflects the complexities and shortcomings within the formalization of certain industries

CSO's role in facilitating access to schemes

Contributions of CSOs in Facilitating Access to Schemes: