The Jute Mill workers in 52 jute mills in West Bengal had gone on an indefinite strike from December 14, 2009, in support of their demands which include stoppage of the unfair labour practices, payment of statutory dues, clearance of arrears of DA, regularization of contract workers and deduction of Provident Fund and ESI contribution on actual wages.

It may be recalled that Thiru. Dayanidhi Maran, Union Minister of Textiles had taken a conscious decision on February 05, 2010, to facilitate the consultation process amongst various stakeholders within a stipulated time frame to end the strike. The Joint Secretary(Jute) and other seniors officers of the Ministry of Textiles held marathon meetings with various stakeholders on February 09 & 10, 2010, at Kolkata to arrive out an amicable settlement. The Chief Labour Commissioner (Central) and the Additional Labour Commissioner (State) were associated in the consultation process.

Thiru. Maran has thanked all the stakeholders for reaching a peaceful settlement in pursuance of his initiative and promised all help for the growth and development of jute sector, including workers, farmers and jute industry.