Srinagar, May 01 (KNS): On the eve of International Labour Day, Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) held a well-attended rally at Press Enclave, Srinagar.
While addressing the rally, State President CITU Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami extended revolutionary greetings to the working people who have been in continuous struggles to defend their rights, livelihood and paid rich tributes to Chicago martyrs of 1886 andZaldagar martyrs of 1865.
He said that present dispensation is trying to erode whatever the achievement has made by the working class. Whatever has been left is being snatched away from them. Harsh measures are being taken against working class across the country instead of addressing their issues. The policies pursued by government have resulted in job loss and livelihood of common people. The working class has tremendous tasks in these challenging times to continue building broader possible unity to defend their natural resources and national assets. Job loss continues with many establishments. Union activities are dubbed as anti-national. People are harassed.
He said the scheme workers like anganwadi workers,helpers, ASHAs are getting meager incentives. They have been fighting for better remuneration or a fixed salary, a demand that has never conceded so far. Mid-Day Meal Workers, CPWs, MGNREGA employees, contractuals, HDF, construction workers, Need Based, Seasonal, casual labouers, daily wagers are neglected and their long pending demands are not met. Daily wagers/casual labourers are awaiting their regularization which is quite disappointing.
Mohmad Afzal Parry CITU leader said that the social security benefits like pension, provident fund, health insurance are hard earned rights of the working class secured through decades of struggle. These gains are now being reversed through
privatization of pension funds, provident funds and cuts in subsidies.(KNS)