Almond workers organized under the banner of Karawal Nagar Mazdoor Union (KMU) have won the strike on 24th June. Factory owners knelt down on 6th day due to brave struggle of Almond workers. This strike underwent in more than 60 illegal (factories are not registered under Factory Act 1948) almond processing factories. The workers have won 100% increment in demanded almond pruning rate from Rs. 1 to Rs. 2. Workers also won the demands for better work conditions in factory units, 10 percent increase in pruning and shelling rate every year, payment for work monthly. Factory owners also agreed to accept Union as representative of workers in any issue of factory. Union concluded the strike with a Vijay Julus (Victory Rally) throughout the Karawal Nagar.
Navin, of Karawal nagar Mazdoor Union told that key to win the struggle was neighborhood based solidarity of workers despite of different factory floors. The strike was supported actively by paper plate factory workers, toy factory workers and workers from construction sector. Since 2010 KMU is organizing workers in their neighbourhood and this struggle was outcome of it.
Ajay of Bigul Mazdoor Dasta told that like every workers’ struggle the attitude of police, administration and even local MLA was negative. Workers have won this struggle only on the basis of their unity and right leadership. The initiative and courage of women workers was leading force of this struggle.
