Existence For Human Development News Today

While the unions calling the May Day rally represented more than 100,000 workers only 1,500 attended, another indication of the deepening distrust of the union apparatus among broad layers of the working class.

Long before COVID-19 hit Sri Lanka’s shores, grassroots women’s organisations fought poverty pay, long hours, and unsafe working conditions in the countrys garment manufacturing districts. These organisations have been advocating for the people producing high-end clothing for brands such as H&M, Next, JC Penny, Benetton, Marks & Spencer, Gap, Victoria’s Secret, Ralph Lauren and Triumph. Garments account for approximately 45% of Sri Lankas export income. Up to 85% of workers employed in th...

by Melani Manel Perera The shutdown of nine factories in two free trade zones has resulted in more than 3,400 people, mostly young migrant women, losing their job. RED and other humanitarian organisations are providing food and assistance, including legal aid, to the unemployed. Colombo (AsiaNews) – Due to the health emergency, nine factories have closed down and more than 3,400 people employed at the Katunayake and Biyagama Free Trade Zones (FTZ) have lost their job. For the Revolutionary Ex...

Sri Lankan garment workers demand movement to protect rights Clothing factory workers hard hit as the economy reels from the Covid-19 crisis Trending A report on the social and economic effects of the coronavirus pandemic on free trade zone workers in Sri Lanka was launched on Dec. 17. (Photo: Melani Manel). Niranjalee Sudhammika, a Sri Lankan garment factory worker, lost her job in April and has not received any compensation from the factory or the government. She was hired by a manpower ...