Surat diamond workers demand increase in wages

SURAT: Diamond workers on Wednesday demanded a hike in their salaries saying that the industry is going through a good phase.

Members and office-bearers of Diamond Workers Union submitted a memorandum to the president of Surat Diamond Association demanding that the salaries of all diamond workers should be increased by 20% and free treatment should be provided to them and their family members at Surat Diamond Hospital. Workers claimed that their salaries have not been increased for the last five years. Even during the lockdown many companies did not pay salaries while many deducted the salaries by 20-25%.

“Right now, the demand for polished diamonds in the international market is at a record high due to which companies are working hard to meet the orders. If the owners are benefitting from this, then some of the benefit should also be passed on to the workers,” said Bhavesh Tank, vice president of the union.

Courtesy: Times of India