Editor’s Note
This report details the immediate human impact of new trade policies, as a 50% tariff triggers mass layoffs in Surat’s diamond industry. Workers, dismissed without notice, are now appealing to the government for relief and job security.
Workers in Surat’s diamond industry are facing mass layoffs as a 50% tariff takes effect. Krish Diam, a company based in Katargam, Surat, reportedly laid off over 150 diamond workers on Monday without notice. Workers and the diamond workers’ union are seeking the government’s intervention to secure employment, but have yet to receive any relief.
This was said by Vinesh Kholkiya, 24, who was laid off by Krish Diam. Kholkiya, the sole breadwinner for his family, used to earn around Rs 25,000 a month and now faces anxiety over repaying his home loan, especially ahead of festivals like Diwali. He alleges receiving no financial support, gratuity, or PF from the company.
Kholkiya, along with over 25 workers alleging forced layoffs, approached the Surat Diamond Workers Association.
said Bhavesh Tank, vice president of the Diamond Workers Union, Surat.
A ground report uncovered precarious work conditions in diamond polishing units. Sandeep Dabi, who works at a small unit in Varachha, said,
Workers get none of the social security benefits—no annual bonus, provident fund, gratuity, ESIC, or retirement fund.
At the unit where Sandeep Dabi works, his wife, Sheetal Dabi, also works—the only woman there. The unit had no separate toilet for women.
says Sheetal Dabi.
