Diamond industry crisis deepens as Surat strike spreads to Navsari

Navsari, Gujarat : The ongoing indefinite strike by diamond workers in Surat has now spread to the neighboring district of Navsari, as hundreds of workers from Sahajanand Exports in the Shantadevi area walked off the job demanding higher wages. The protest, led by the Diamond Workers Union Gujarat (DWUG), underscores the worsening financial crisis in the diamond industry, which has left thousands of workers unemployed and struggling to make ends meet.

In Surat, where the strike began, most small diamond units have shut down as workers continue to push for a 30% wage hike and the reinstatement of unemployed artisans. With no resolution in sight, the unrest has now reached Navsari, where workers staged demonstrations outside Sahajanand Exports on Shantadevi Road, demanding better pay and job security.

Speaking about the crisis, DWUG Vice President Bhavesh Tank said, “The major diamond company owners are refusing to give workers the necessary wage hike, despite the industry’s profits. Meanwhile, workers are bearing the brunt of the recession, with many pushed into extreme financial distress.”

The diamond industry has been reeling under a severe recession for the past two years, with export demand declining sharply. This downturn has had devastating effects on the workforce. Reports indicate that nearly 50 diamond artisans in Surat have taken their own lives due to financial stress, highlighting the gravity of the situation.

Tragically, the crisis has now claimed another life in Navsari. A diamond worker, reportedly overwhelmed by financial hardships, ended his life by jumping into a river. The incident has intensified the anger among workers, fueling further protests against the industry’s neglect of their demands.

As tensions rise, diamond workers continue to call for immediate government intervention. Many are urging authorities to enforce fair wages and implement measures to protect jobs in the sector. With no resolution in sight, industry leaders fear the ongoing strike could further impact diamond processing and exports, exacerbating the crisis.