Diamond polishers call off strike in Surat after intervention by labour department

One of the diamond polishers working with the company, on condition of anonymity, said, “Every year, the company gives us bonus worth two months of salary – one in March and another during Diwali. This year, we have come to know that the company has either refused to give a bonus or decided to pay a lesser amount.” The worker further said, “Our salaries are based on the number of diamonds we cut and polish. Since January, we have been getting fewer diamonds to cut and polish as a result of which our salary has gone down. We did not even get the bonus in March. We recently came to know that we won’t be getting a bonus for Diwali either. So, we went on strike.”

The worker said that following the intervention of labour department officials, company authorities have assured the workers of getting the bonus, albeit only for Diwali. “We agreed to it keeping in mind the recession in the diamond industry. We will resume our duties Wednesday,” he added.

On Monday, Ramnagin Singh (41), who had been working as a diamond polisher at Asian Star, died by alleged suicide. His family members said he used to earn Rs 30,000 to Rs 35,000 per month, which had reduced to Rs 15,000 over the last few months.

Varachha police inspector A N Gabani said, “The kin said that Ramnagin had been upset for the last few days over his salary. He was worried about the marriage expenses of his two daughters.”

Surat deputy labour commissioner M C Karya said, “There was an issue over bonus between the diamond polishers and the management. Following our involvement, it was sorted out.”

Talking to The Indian Express, Shah said, “Some misconception was spread by a few labourers in my factory over the bonus issue. We have assured that this year, we will only be giving Diwali bonus due to the recession. However, we will continue giving salaries to the diamond artisans on the basis of the work done by them.” On the worker’s death, he said, “The incident is not related to us. It could be a personal issue… we will compensate the family in days to come.”