Building a better future for workers in Tamil Nadu

Over the next three years thousands of Dalit and Tribal people will benefit from a new UnionAID project in Tamil Nadu, India. In partnership with the Tamil Nadu Labour Union (TNLU) the project aims to establish 5 new cooperatives of Dalit and Tribal workers and a domestic workers union.

This project builds on the success of our last project with the TNLU by reaching out to new communities in need. In the city of Madurai cooperatives of fish vendors, street vendors, rag pickers (waste recycling) and women home tailors will be established. In the rural hills around Kodikanal a cooperative of tribal people collecting forest oils, nuts and spices will be formed. Supported by vocational training these cooperatives will empower Dalit and Tribal workers to grow their incomes and lift their families out of poverty.

A bold plan to organize women domestic workers in Madurai city into a union will provide a voice for these vulnerable workers. The project is also supporting thousands of TNLU members to come together and form credit unions and lending institutions.

We are proud to be able to support the good work of the Tamil Nadu Labour Union and help more Dalit and Tribal workers in Tamil Nadu get the decent work and dignity they deserve.

The staff of the Tamil Nadu Labour Union at their office in Madurai. Manohari Doss (President) front right.