Powerloom weavers have been left in the lurch over the issue of wages and even staged a protest in front of the Collectorate on Monday. They allege that textiles manufactures were neither paying them the wages as per an earlier agreement nor that under recent agreement.

Their protest goes back to 2014 when they received an assurance of a new wage structure as agreed by the master weavers and again in 2016 had to take the path of agitation and got an assurance then too. But till date the new wage structure has not been implemented.

The wages are on the basis of materials woven and given to the powerlooms.

At a meeting with the Coimbatore and Tirupur district representatives of powerloom workers, master weavers and district authorities, Collector T N Hariharan had said that strict action would be taken on those who paid low wages.

Power Loom Weavers Association president C Palanisamy says, “After every meeting with the Textiles people and authorities, they promise to give the raised amount. That is followed for a few days or months after which they go back on their promise, paying very little.”