THE PLIGHT OF GARMENT INDUSTRY WORKERS IN BANGALORE CITY-INDIA: WHAT WE KNOWAND WHAT WE DON'T KNOW

Abstract

Indian garment industry has done commanding and tremendous breakthrough
regarding employment opportunities for all sections of the society. Availability of cheap
and skilled labor is a vital issue in the rapid growth of the garment industry. Today,
majority of women are placed in the garment sector only. The hard work and
exploitation of millions of workers have played a vital role in earning highest cash
reserve ratio through export to any country. At present, garment sector is providing the
highest number of employment opportunities in the formal manufacturing sector. It is
found that more than 75% of female workers have been involved in this sector. It has
completely become a more popular sector irrespective of any educational background.
However, garment workers are facing numerous problems; especially women have been
victimized for various kinds of harassment. The inappropriate work environment has
become common in the garment industry today. This paper is the result of a study
conducted in Bangalore, South India. According to the study the working atmosphere is
unsafe, exploiting and unhealthy; especially for the female workers.