Coimbatore and Tiruppur power loom workers go on a strike

Power loom workers in Coimbatore and Tiruppur have launched an indefinite strike from today, demanding a wage increase and a reduction in electricity bills. The strike threatens to disrupt the daily production of ghat cloth worth over Rs. 40 crore, impacting both the textile industry and the livelihoods of thousands of workers.
With approximately 1.5 lakh power looms shutting down due to the strike, many workers who depend directly and indirectly on the industry are facing financial uncertainty. The power weavers have outlined key demands, including a tripartite dialogue with textile manufacturers, power weavers, and district administration to address wage concerns, a resolution to the increased electricity tariffs, and legal protection for wage revisions.
The strike is expected to severely affect textile production and related industries. In particular, the production of khada cloth, valued at around Rs. 40 crore per day, has already been disrupted. The power weavers argue that a wage revision is necessary due to a sharp rise in expenses over the past four years, including higher electricity bills, building rent, power loom spare parts, and worker wages.
The decision to go on strike was made during a general meeting held in Somanur yesterday, led by Bhupathi, the president of the Power Weavers Association, which represents weavers working for wages in Coimbatore and Tiruppur districts.