Welcome to Indian Sugar Industry Workers Association :: Fighting Exploitation in the Sugar Industry
Welcome to Indian Sugar Industry Workers Association :: Fighting Exploitation in the Sugar Industry
The Indian Sugar Industry Workers Association (ISWA) is a coalition of labour and human rights organizations,
including trade unions that represent sugarcane harvesters. We believe that building alliances with
other stakeholders in the sugar industry, such as bottling industry workers, sugar mill workers,
transport workers, and warehousing workers, is essential. ISWA has engaged with these groups separately,
and they have agreed to join forces with us in reforming the sugar industry to promote workers'
rights in a comprehensive manner. The coalition focuses on strengthening workers' rights and building power
across the rural economies of Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Uttar Pradesh which collectively account for
approximately 85% of India’s sugar production.
No More Blood in Sugar—End Exploitation in the Fields!
ISWA
ISWA is committed to combating exploitation, ending forced and child labour, and addressing broader human rights violations within India’s multi-billion-dollar sugar industry. The organization advocates for the promotion of decent work standards, including the right to freedom of association, collective bargaining, and comprehensive social protection for over 2 million sugarcane workers in these states. These rights are enshrined in the Indian Constitution and aligned with International Labour Organization (ILO) standards, as reinforced through global conventions.
No Worker Left Behind—Dignity, Safety, and Fair Wages for All!