Surat: Textile workers from Surat city and rural parts of the district assembled at the district collector’s Office on Saturday, demanding implementation of an eight-hour workday, a compulsory weekly holiday and action on long-pending labour grievances.The demonstration brought together workers from various segments of the textile industry, who said that many employees are routinely required to work 12-hour shifts without weekly holidays.The protest was led by labour groups representing workers across different textile industrial sectors. Participants said long working hours and the absence of regular holidays had become major concerns for the workforce.In recent months, protests have taken place in textile manufacturing clusters in the city and rural areas of the district. Along with a wage hike, workers have been demanding fixed working hours and weekly holidays.One worker said the demand was basic and long overdue. Protesters also accused the administration of repeatedly delaying discussions on their grievances.Worker representatives warned that if their demands and legal rights were not addressed by the end of the month, they would exercise their statutory rights through a hunger strike and sit-in protest.The administration has scheduled a meeting with worker representatives on Monday. However, several protesters initially refused to leave the Collector’s Office premises.As tensions rose, police reached the spot and urged workers to remain peaceful. Police officials and labour leaders appealed to those willing to negotiate to attend the scheduled meeting with authorities.Following repeated requests, the protesters gradually dispersed.
