Jute workers' call for indefinite strike from March 1 stokes supply fears

The jute industry announcing an indefinite strike beginning March 1 has thrown the supply of jute bags for 2019-20 Rabi season into turmoil.

Twenty trade unions from the Left parties and Congress have announced the strike over workers' unmet demands.  

In West Bengal alone, there are 66 operative jute mills that provide direct and indirect employment to around 4,00,000 workers.

The strike comes at a critical juncture when concerns are mounting on supply of B Twill jute bags used for packing food grains and sugar. Industry observers feel the strike could have wide ramifications and deepen the existential supply crisis.