Rukmini VP worked as a tailor in the garment industry for 23 years. Her time in the industry exposed her to the harsh realities of India’s apparel sector. In her workplaces, rules and regulations regarding employee protection were often ignored. Not meeting a quota meant facing wage deductions or even termination. In some cases, workers who failed to meet management’s production targets were forced to pay the difference out of their overtime pay. Supervisors, who were mostly men, often refused to make the legally-required accommodations for pregnant women and for workers with illnesses. The primarily female workforce was regularly subjected to verbal, sexual, and physical abuse from their supervisors.
“When harassment and torture didn’t work, [the management] tried to bribe me with a supervisory position. I refused to give in.”
The ordeal did not dampen Rukmini’s passion for labor rights. After a multi-faceted campaign that engaged her co-workers, local unions, international unions and civil society organizations, and apparel brands, she was re-hired to the factory and even given leave to be a full-time organizer while still receiving a salary.
“GLU is among the few labor unions founded by women and having only women as members. It’s also unaffiliated to any political party or trade union federation.”
Rukmini is now the President of GLU, which has about 1000 members, and where she serves with an all-women leadership board. GLU works with other trade unions, civil society organizations, and campaigns to improve workplaces and protect workers’ rights. They also advocate for stronger labor policies at the state level and support workers in litigation when necessary. Importantly, the organization’s work extends beyond the workplace. GLU assists workers and their families in obtaining access to subsidized healthcare and resolving domestic disputes. They also offer childcare, scholarships, and career training for workers’ children.
“When we try informing women about ourselves, politically affiliated men threaten us.”
*courtesy of Equal Times, viewable in full here.
photo credit to GLU; Ishan Khosla; and wagingnonviolence.com