The indefinite strike by powerloom job working unit owners in Coimbatore and Tirupur districts, seeking roll-back of increased power tariff, entered the sixth day today resulting in a loss of production of over 1.25 crore metres of fabrics on a single day.
Over two lakh powerlooms in these districts remained silent from May 3, demanding reduction of the increased power tariff and also protesting against the disconnection of power supply to those who have not paid the current consumption charges, as part of their strike, Mr Palanisamy, President, Somanur Powerloom job working unit owners association, said.
Even as the job workers were struggling to make both ends meet due to low wages being given by the cloth traders and also contractors, the 110 per cent increase in the power tariff has come as a death knell on the workers, who are also farmers, hailing from villages, affecting nearly five lakh people, both directly and indirectly and business worth over Rs 30 crore a day, he said.
The production stoppage would affect the supply of school uniforms, saris and dhotis to be distributed under the Government's scheme and also textile business across the country, Mr Palanisamy said.