Sri Lankan garment workers are facing cuts to benefits as employers cite US tariff increases as justification. UnionAID partner, the Free Trade Zones & General Services Employees Union reports that Star Garments in the Katunayake Free Trade Zone has cancelled numerous annual benefits across all 11 factories in its group.
In response, the union organised a protest on 13 September and has joined other social partners to form the “Social Movement for Alternative Solutions in the Face of the Global Tax Crisis.” Despite the Sri Lankan government publicly claiming the 20 per cent US tariff would not negatively affect workers, unions say employers are using it as an excuse to cut entitlements. The movement has made several formal requests to meet with the President to discuss alternative solutions but has yet to receive a response. Union members are now watching to see how the worker-supported government will protect employee rights.
