To understand more about the people working in the MSMEs in Tiruppur, field insights were gathered through visits to worker settlements and smaller production units at Tiruppur, where the workforce composition differed somewhat from the larger enterprises. In many of these locations, a higher proportion of local workers—particularly women—were present alongside migrant workers, providing a deeper understanding of how work, wages, and living conditions are experienced at the ground level.

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These interactions with workers offer an important worker perspective on the realities of employment in the cluster, helping contextualize the practices discussed by MSMEs.

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Workforce Composition and Skills

The workforce in Tiruppur consists of a mix of local workers and migrant workers, each playing different roles in the production system. Local workers are generally skilled and experienced, often working as tailors or machine operators. Migrant workers usually enter the sector as helpers or trainees, gradually learning skills and progressing to roles such as tailoring.

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Many local women workers are school dropouts, and some shared that in Tiruppur’s textile / garment ecosystem, formal education is not always perceived as necessary to succeed, as the sector offers relatively quick access to income.

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Three major workforce models operate across units:

• Company shift system – fixed wages irrespective of production quantity

• Piece-rate system – wages linked to the number of textile / garments produced

• Part-time work arrangements

A common entry pathway involves workers starting as helpers and eventually becoming tailors after gaining experience.

 

Wage Levels and Economic Pressures

Workers reported that average earnings are around ₹12,000 per month, with payments typically made weekly. Under piece-rate arrangements, workers often receive approximately ₹5 per piece, depending on the type of work. If quality issues arise, payment for the defective piece may be deducted, reducing earnings.

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Several workers stated that wages have declined compared to 12–15 years ago when adjusted for rising living costs. At the same time, some factory owners explained that global buyers often award orders based on the lowest quotation, which limits their ability to increase wages.

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Working Hours

Long working hours are common in the cluster.

 

Workers reported:

• Regular shifts of around 12 hours

• Work extending to 16 hours or more during urgent production cycles

 

Many workers have normalized these long hours, particularly in piece-rate systems, as they see them as necessary to earn higher income. Paid leave and holidays are largely absent in many units. Social Realities of Women Workers Many local women workers are primary earners in their households.

Workers shared that they often support families where:

• They are single parents, or

• Their husbands are unemployed or struggling with alcohol addiction

 

Migrant women workers frequently stay in hostel accommodations, which workers described as relatively safe environments. However, migrant women face barriers in accessing services such as healthcare due to language differences. Pregnant migrant workers sometimes struggle to register at local hospitals, and in some cases deliver children where they live. This later creates challenges in obtaining birth certificates, largely due to documentation gaps and lack of awareness.

 

Migrant Worker Dynamics

Migration is central to the functioning of the Tiruppur textile / garment cluster. Workers from states such as Bihar, Odisha, UP, Uttrakhand, Assam, Nepal, Sikkim and Jharkhand make up a significant portion of the workforce.

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Local perceptions of migrant workers vary:

• Some local male workers expressed resentment, believing migrants reduce job opportunities.

• Local women workers often expressed respect for migrant workers, noting their strong work ethic and commitment to supporting families back home.

 

Migration has also influenced local social norms, including greater acceptance of women working outside the home. Despite some experiences of discrimination, migrant workers generally feel that Tiruppur offers economic opportunities not available in their home states.

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Early Entry into Workforce

Field discussions suggested that workers below 18 years of age are present in some units, particularly those above 14 years. Workers reported that documentation such as Aadhaar corrections and medical fitness certificates are sometimes arranged through agents or doctors for a fee to enable employment. Some young workers had previously studied in government schools before joining the workforce due to financial pressures at home. During summer holidays, workers sometimes bring children to factories to learn the work and earn small amounts of money, which families often justify as skill learning. Young workers reported that employers sometimes pay them lower wages due to their age.

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Living Conditions and Financial Systems

Many workers, particularly migrants, live in poor housing conditions with roofing materials that retain heat, making homes extremely hot. Migrant children sometimes face discrimination in schools, particularly due to hygiene issues linked to limited water access. Workers also reported recent challenges related to cooking gas cylinder access, which has increased living difficulties for families. Wage payments remain largely cash-based, though some workers receive payments through bank accounts.

Access to social security remains limited:

• ESI cards are often not provided

• Awareness of Provident Fund (PF) benefits remains low

• Only a few companies reportedly provide these benefits.
   

Worker Retention

Despite challenges, many workers reported feeling relatively safe in Tiruppur. The cost of living is considered manageable, which encourages workers to stay in the cluster. Many workers reported having worked in Tiruppur for four years or more.

 

Industry and Cluster-Level Realities

The Tiruppur ecosystem operates within broader structural dynamics. Only a small number of firms receive direct orders from global brands, while many smaller units operate as subcontractors.

The industry is also experiencing cost pressures, including:

• Around 25% increase in polyester-related raw materials

• Nearly 80% increase in poly bag costs

These pressures further affect wage and pricing dynamics within the cluster.

 

Industrial Safety Concerns

Industrial safety remains an important concern. Several fire accidents have been reported recently, including two incidents within the past week, resulting in worker injuries. These incidents highlight the need for stronger fire safety practices andenforcement across units.

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Environmental Transformation

Tiruppur has undergone a major environmental transformation. In 2011, severe pollution of the Noyyal River led to legal intervention and the closure of dyeing units discharging untreated effluents. Global buyers withdrew orders from non-compliant factories, which pushed the industry to adopt significant environmental reforms.

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Today, many units operate Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) systems, along with investments in solar energy and tree plantation, marking a major shift toward environmental compliance. 

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Write to us at support@socialcompact.co to collaborate in strengthening MSMEs in Tiruppur or to chat to explore on ways to build practical solutions that support both business growth and worker well-being, enabling the sector to realize its vision for 2035.