‘Asked For Sunday Off, Lost My Job’: 70 Detained As Surat Embroidery Workers' Protest Turns Tense

SURAT: A growing labour dispute in Gujarat’s textile hub of Surat intensified on October 15 after police detained around 60 to 70 workers who were heading to the district Collector’s office to demand weekly holidays, timely wage payments and better working conditions in embroidery units.

After months of failed attempts to resolve their grievances through factory owners and labour authorities, the workers planned a peaceful satyagraha outside the Surat Collector’s office. The agitation, which started on August 16, 2026, has gained momentum across industrial hubs such as Amroli, Katargam, Sachin GIDC and Kadodara.

Naishadh Desai, president of Gujarat Pradesh INTUC and the leader of the movement, had urged around 10,000 workers from embroidery units and other industrial establishments across Surat city and district to join the protest. However, police stopped the demonstration before the detained workers could reach the Collector’s office, stating that the gathering had not received official permission.

The action has renewed scrutiny of working conditions in Surat’s textile industry, where workers have alleged that some employers deny statutory weekly holidays, require long working hours and dismiss employees who ask for leave.

Why Are Surat’s Embroidery Workers Protesting?