Weavers opt for 12-hour shift to cut output amid rising costs

Surat: Textile weaving units in the city have decided to limit operations to 12 hours a day, effectively moving to a single-shift system, in a bid to reduce production amid rising costs. The decision was taken at a meeting held on Monday, as weavers struggle with increasing input costs and weak demand linked to global uncertainties, including the US-Israel-Iran conflict.Surat, the country's largest man-made fabric hub with a daily production capacity of around 6 crore metres, has been facing pressure due to rising yarn prices, subdued demand and labour-related challenges. A significant portion of textile output from the region is also exported.The decision was taken in the presence of leaders from 11 weavers' associations across the city and district, with a large number of weavers attending the meeting. Earlier, the Federation of Gujarat Weavers Welfare Association (FOGWWA) had proposed a production cut following feedback collected from weavers through an online survey.At the meeting, all participating associations unanimously agreed to reduce production to stabilise the sector. "The move is necessary to protect workers, manage production responsibly and ensure long-term stability of the industry," said Ashok Jirawala, president of FOGWWA.Leaders said the reduction in output would help control excess supply and create a more balanced market situation in the coming months, while also easing pressure on weavers and helping retain skilled workers.All members have been urged to strictly follow the one-shift system, with the association stating that normal operations will resume once conditions improve.