To overcome GSP plus withdrawal :

Unions call for tripartite talks

Shirley WIJESINGHE

The benefits of GSP+ had been enjoyed by employers of the garment and apparel industry selfishly without passing on the benefits to the employees. But when it is suspended they are trying to safeguard their benefits by slashing the benefits of workers, Free Trade Zones and General Services Employers Union Joint Secretary Anton Marcus said.

He was addressing the media to make objection to a statement issued through the media by Apparel Industry Owners Forum appealing to workers to tighten their belts to face the new situation.

Marcus said there is no improvement seen in the work places although the Government accepted the EU directions prescribed for awarding the GSP+ facility.

There are 427 factories in the apparel sector but only four have collective agreements with employees. Explaining export opportunities for the country’s apparels and garment sectors, Marcus said 55 percent of the production is exported to EU countries while the balance goes to the USA . “But employers also earn similar profits even against high freight and tariff charges compared to the EU.”