Alagar Balaji

I’m Alagar Balaji (Bala), and my journey in the ready-made garment, spinning, and textile industries began as a helper in a factory. Step by step, through hard work and perseverance, I climbed the ladder to become a supervisor and eventually an HR manager. Along the way, I pursued an engineering degree under challenging circumstances, which gave me a unique understanding of both worker realities and management dynamics.

With over 12 years of experience, I’ve had the opportunity to lead international projects and multi-stakeholder initiatives focusing on industrial conflict resolution, grievance management, gender inclusion, and creating space for unions in southern factories. I’ve worked extensively with migrant workers, addressing their challenges, and have taken on complex supply chain audits, including in the natural stone sector.

I’m deeply committed to designing impactful management and worker training programs, using innovative tools to tackle complex decision-making scenarios. My strength lies in bringing together diverse stakeholders to foster dialogue, negotiate solutions, and resolve industrial conflicts effectively.