It is for the pay hike…
On Thursday, 14 March 2024, In Delhi’s Karawal Nagar, Almond workers in the godowns called for an indefinite strike after over 4,000 workers began protests on March 1.
Among their 11 demands, two key demands are pay hikes and fixed work hours. These workers are paid Rs. 2 per kg for the almonds they peel and workers usually put in over 12 hours daily.
Lalita, an almond worker for the last 20 years, said, "We had to protest in 2012 to get a raise and our wages were raised to Rs. 2 per kg.
At that time, 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 Rs. 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 but they refuse to raise our wages. They have to listen to us or our strike will continue."
Like many others, Lalita and Ranju reach the godown at 4 am sharp every day and return home by 6 pm only to earn a mere Rs. 150-200 a day.
The protesters now demand a strict eight-hour workday policy, a payment of Rs. 12 per kg of almonds they peel, and that they should receive their salaries in the first week of every month.
Edited By: Arusha Farooq
The Brief. Sign up to receive the top stories you need to know right now.