CITU to protest outside legislators’ and Ministers’ residences on September 25
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S. Varalakshmi, State general secretary of the Centre of Indian Trade Unions, addressing a press conference in Kalaburagi city on Tuesday. | Photo Credit: ARUN KULKARNI
The Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) will stage protests outside the residences of MLAs and Ministers across Karnataka from September 25, demanding the withdrawal of the four labour codes, implementation of revised minimum wages, and social security for unorganised workers.
Addressing a press conference in Kalaburagi on Tuesday, CITU State general secretary S. Varalakshmi said the decision followed the State government’s failure to hold talks with workers despite an assurance by the State government.
She said the agitation on September 8, in which more than 25,000 workers affiliated with 184 CITU unions participated, was withdrawn after Labour Minister Santosh Lad received their memorandum and the State government agreed to hold talks on September 15. However, the government failed to honour its commitment, she said.
The CITU demanded immediate implementation of the revised minimum wages and the inclusion of plantation, beedi, and garment workers under the new wage notification. It also demanded social security for unorganised workers and the regularisation of scheme workers, including anganwadi, mid-day meal, and ASHA workers, along with the implementation of the financial assurances made to them by the State government.
The union sought abolition of the contract and outsourcing system, demanded the removal of eligibility ceilings for ESI, PF, gratuity and bonus benefits, and amendments to the Karnataka Civil Services Rules to protect workers engaged by the government, Ms. Varalakshmi added.
The union also opposed land acquisition affecting farmers and sought remunerative prices for agricultural produce.
Other demands included strengthening food, health and education services and stopping their privatisation, as well as opposing the privatisation of public-sector institutions, including electricity and transport services, and provision of housing for homeless workers and an increase in the income ceiling for BPL ration-card eligibility.
Ms. Varalakshmi said the September 25 protest outside the residences of pubic representatives would mark the next phase of the State-wide agitation and appealed to workers to participate in the protests.
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