Madikeri: Several labour unions carried out a protest rally in the city on Wednesday, January 8, in support of the nation-wide bundh call against the Central Government’s ‘anti-labour’ policies.
The protest rally began from Field Marshal Cariappa Circle and culminated at the Deputy Commissioner’s office, where the protesters began shouting slogans against the Centre and demanded that their demands be met.
They demanded a minimum of Rs 21,000 salary, control over the tender process, equality in wages, stopping of privatization of public utilities, restriction on Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in banking and insurance sectors, revoking anti-labour policies, establishment of labour courts in every district, pension of Rs 10,000 through the government, erase policies which affect nation’s economy, control over inflation rates, support price to farmers etc.
Convenor of the labour union H B Ramesh said, “We urge the government to fulfill the demands put forth by 10 labour unions. Such protests are carried out because of the government’s anti-labour policies. Earlier, several protests were held by labour unions, but there was no response from the government.”
President of Anganwadi and Helper’s Association K S Muttamma said, “Even though the Anganwadi workers are following and implementing all the policies of the government, no proper facilities have been given. We will not back out from the protest until the government gives us our demands.”
District president of the ASHA Workers Association Tekkada Poornima said, “The government has not extended any support to the ASHA workers inspite of several protests. Hence, we all have stopped our work and have supported the nation-wide protest. Until and unless the pending salaries are credited to the workers’ accounts, the protest will continue.”
Several labour union leaders were present at the rally.
Meanwhile, some of the miscreants pelted stones at a KSRTC bus at Chain Gate on Wednesday morning. Fortunately, none of the occupants, including the driver, were injured. The windshield of the bus, however, was completely shattered.
