Garment workers in Karnataka, along with those in the textile, silk, and dyeing and printing sectors, have long grappled with a persistent wage disparity. While other employment opportunities in the state ensure minimum wages ranging from Rs 551 to Rs 651 per day, depending on the level of skill, a skilled garment worker earns a meager Rs 441 for an eight-hour shift. This amounts to just Rs 11,466 for a typical 26-day work month, leaving these workers struggling to support their households.

Wage disputes have been a longstanding problem in the garment industry. In 2010, the government of Karnataka withdrew its notification on minimum wages for the sector, which led to prolonged legal battles. Despite court interventions and orders, the issue resurfaced in 2018 when the government excluded the garment sector from the revised minimum wage notification. Industry representatives exerted pressure to reduce the proposed minimum wage, resulting in further delays and discontent among the workers.

The demographic composition of the garment workforce is shifting, with an increasing number of workers from other regions joining the industry. These migrant workers, often willing to accept lower wages, lack the support system and bargaining power of local workers.

Furthermore, the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdowns led some workers to explore alternative sectors that offered better pay, leaving the garment industry with a diminished skilled workforce.