Brick-kiln workers demand 100% hike in minimum wages

Tribune News Service

Jalandhar, April 19 

The brick-kiln labourers under the banner of All Mazdoor Shakti Sangh Dal today sought District Labour Department's intervention on their demands of 100 per cent hike in minimum wages. 

They said a meeting between Brick-Kiln Owner's Association and labourers was schedule for today by the District Labour Department, where official of Labour Department and members of association failed to turn up. However, all the labourers were present. 

They said they had spared time from their schedule, yet nothing constructive has been taken place. 

While speaking to the Jalandhar Tribune, Iqbal Chand Mattu, representative of the organization, said, "Majority of the brick-kiln labourer are not being provided minimum wages by the kiln owners. No medical and other facility is being given to them, which is a violation of labour laws."

He said, "If their demands are not fulfilled by April 25, they will intensify their agitation." 

Assistant Labour Commissioner Sukhjinder Singh Sra said, "Meeting could not take place  today as it was a government holiday. I will join the office tomorrow and fix a next date for the same. Something will qwork out soon on the issue."