Jute strikes

The jute industry is beginning to feel the the impact of strike action involving 20 Indian trade unions. The indefinite strike was called on 14 December 2009 and puts the production and supply of jute bags on hold.

Of the 54 operating jute mills in West Bengal:

• 48 are on strike
• 3 are under suspension
• 3 are ignoring the strike notice and continuing with production

According to Sanjay Kajaria, chairman for Indian Jute Mills Association, the first 30 days of the strike have cost the industry Rs1,200-crore (approximately £161 million).