Garment workers block Hubballi-Dharwad road over new PF withdrawal rules
Garment workers in Hubballi-Dharwad, India, staged a protest blocking a major road to oppose new government regulations regarding provident fund withdrawal waiting periods. The protest concluded after local officials promised to convey the workers' concerns to the Union government.
Why it matters
The protest highlights the economic vulnerability of low-wage workers who rely on retirement savings for immediate financial emergencies.
A large number of woman employees of Shahi Export Garments at Rayapur blocked the Hubballi-Dharwad road on Thursday, protesting against the waiting periods for withdrawal of provident fund (PF) and Employees’ Pension Scheme (EPS) savings under the new provisions.
The protest, which began around 9.30 a.m., brought traffic between Hubballi and Dharwad to a standstill for few hours. The workers, who sat on the road and raised slogans, said they would continue their agitation until their demands were addressed.
The Vidyagiri police and officials of the Labour Department attempted to persuade the protesters to clear the road. The workers, however, remained at the spot until Police Commissioner Bhushan Borase and Additional Deputy Commissioner Geeta C.D. arrived and held discussions with them.
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