Coimbatore in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu had been a textile manufacturing hub for many years before turning into an automotive parts centre in recent years. The area has also been a site of continual industrial struggles as workers defend their rights to secure employment and a living wage. In 2009, a long running industrial dispute at the Pricol factory led to the fatal beating of a manager. This incident has resulted in an increased level of repression against workers and organising. This week, 8 workers were sentenced to double life sentences for the 2009 killing. Labour activists see this as another attempt to intimidate workers and part of a generalised offensive against workers.
Coimbatore in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu had been a textile manufacturing hub for many years before turning into an automotive parts centre in recent years. The area has also been a site of continual industrial struggles as workers defend their rights to secure employment and a living wage. In 2009, a long running industrial dispute at the Pricol factory led to the fatal beating of a manager. This incident has resulted in an increased level of repression against workers and organising. This week, 8 workers were sentenced to double life sentences for the 2009 killing. Labour activists see this as another attempt to intimidate workers and part of a generalised offensive against workers.
