Soon after textile traders strike in Gujarat showcased agitation against GST, nearly 1,100 plywood units, including plyboard and peeling factories, across Haryana, have decided to go on an indefinite strike from Friday. Notably, Yamunanagar, one of Asia’s largest timber markets home to 1,000 units alone. Scores of plywood units in Kaithal, Rohtak and the NCR region are also going to join the indefinite strike, reported Hindustan Times.
This strike is going to hit as many as 90,000 workers employed in these units besides hitting about 1,000 timber merchants, transporters and labourers. These manufacturers are protesting against the 28% GST on plywood, 18% GST on raw material and 2% market fee. They alleged that under the new taxation system, they will be at loss and it will be difficult to run the industry. They are unable to sell their product and are left with no other option but to shut factories from Friday.
Members of the All India Plywood Manufacturing Association said plywood manufacturers in Delhi-NCR, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand have also extended their support to the strike.
“We cannot afford 28% tax on plywood under GST besides 18% GST on poplar and eucalyptus trees and 2% market fee, and we have to close our units,” Devendra Chawla, president of the association, said.
