Surat Workers Surround Collector’s Office Over Sunday Holiday Demand

SURAT: Tensions flared outside the Surat Collector’s office on Saturday as a large group of embroidery workers gathered to demand a weekly Sunday holiday, eight-hour shifts and full wages, accusing the administration of repeatedly delaying a solution to their month-and-a-half-long agitation.

Workers surrounded the Collector’s office and raised slogans demanding immediate action. The situation briefly turned tense when a worker alleged that police personnel photographed protesters and issued warnings. DCP Nakum, holding a baton, warned that an FIR would be registered if the crowd failed to follow police instructions.

The workers eventually dispersed after union leaders and officials intervened. Police said permission had been granted for 150-200 people, but around 1,000-1,200 workers gathered at the spot.

The agitation has been continuing since August 16, when workers at the Vedanta Industrial area in Amroli began protesting. It later spread to Anjani Industries, Katargam, Sachin GIDC, Pipodara and Kadodara, with workers stopping work at several locations.

“Our only demand is that we should get a holiday every Sunday. We are human beings too, and we work 12 hours a day,” said worker Arvind Raj Vishwakarma. “We should get a Sunday holiday and receive our full wages. We don’t even find enough time to eat, cook or sleep.”

Vishwakarma accused the administration of giving workers “dates upon dates” without a concrete resolution.

“We don’t want dates upon dates; we just want a Sunday off and an eight-hour shift,” he said, warning that workers could resort to road blockades and chakka-jam protests if their demands remain unresolved.

The workers’ union had earlier submitted a memorandum to the Collector. However, as Saturday was the second Saturday of the month, no meeting could be held. Union representatives are expected to present their demands again on Monday.

Union representative Ajay D. Dubey said workers would intensify their agitation if their demands were not addressed by September 30.

“If our legitimate demands are not addressed by the 30th, we will be compelled to exercise our statutory rights and launch hunger strikes and sit-in protests,” Dubey said.

Meanwhile, the administration and police are holding meetings with industrialists and the District Labour Officer to find a solution over the weekly holiday and wage issue.

Police said security arrangements would remain in place on Monday as authorities work to prevent further escalation.