Indian Coffee House Appoints Women Workers after 61 years

The much famous Indian Coffee House has open doors for women staff after almost 61 years of its operation.

The cooperative chain of hotels established by communist leader AK Gopalan has written a new chapter in its history by allowing six women to join the as a staff at three outlets in Kannur and Kozhikode.

Started in 1958, it was no-go-zone for female workers after the coffee board dismissed its workers that time.

“When the world is changing and women are breaking into top roles in all professions, it is high time the Coffee House opened its doors for them,” said PV Balakrishnan, President, Indian Coffee Workers’ Cooperative Society, Kannur, which took the initiative to appoint women at its coffee houses for the first time in the country.

“Our society functions in the entire Malabar region, including Palakkad, and I feel happy that we have set a model for the entire establishment,” he added.

If the move proves to be successful, the society has plans to appoint more women. In fact, they have already prepared a rank list. Balakrishnan said though the society has been considering appointing women staffers, it was industries minister EP Jayarajan’s suggestion that spurred them into action.

The first batch of six women, now on probation, was appointed on Tuesday after interviews and two each have been posted at outlets in Kannur and Kozhikode.

“Initially, they have been appointed as kitchen assistants and have been put on day duty. We would deploy them in service after they acquire the required skills,” added Balakrishnan.

In future, the Indian Coffee House may even consider opening all-women outlets, he said, adding that food prepared by women may drive demand.

There are around 10,000 employees working in various coffee houses under the 14 cooperative societies affiliated to the All India Coffee Workers’ Cooperative Societies Federation.

“We have only one female director board member- Lalithamma, wife of Coffee House founder secretary Nadakkal Parameswaran Pillai, but in the coming days more women will be included,” said Balakrishnan.