Articles tagged with “srilankagarmentworkersprotest”

Around 2,000 workers from Vogue Tex garment factories in Weligama and Hikkaduwa, Sri Lanka, protested on April 8 and 9 after management refused to pay the annual SinhalaTamil New Year bonus. The bonus, crucial for lowwage workers celebrating the April 13–14 festival, was withheld due to new U.S. tariffs on Sri Lankan exports. Management cited a 44% U.S. tariff hike on Sri Lankan goods, announced by former President Donald Trump, as the reason for withholding bonuses. Workers argued the bonuses should come from prior profits, not current tariffs. Protests escalated, with workers blocking the manager's office and chanting demands until police intervened. Workers reported receiving only half their usual bonus amount. Many expressed frustration over unlivable wages, with some earning just 35,000–40,000 rupees ($117–133) monthly. A Hikkaduwa worker said his family struggles to survive on his meager salary, while others lamented ruined New Year celebrations due to the unpaid bonus. Vogue Tex, which supplies major brands like Levi's and Ralph Lauren, employs over 10,000 workers across eight factories. Sri Lanka's $1.5 billion apparel export industry faces a projected $600 million loss due to U.S. tariffs, threatening jobs for 15% of the industrial workforce. Experts warn the tariffs could trigger factory closures and deeper exploitation of workers. Sri Lanka's government has pledged to mitigate trade impacts but expects workers to bear the burden. The protests highlight growing unrest as workers resist wage cuts and worsening conditions.