SKM supports call for strike on Feb 12

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, February 9

In protest against the Central Government, the Sanyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) has announced its support for the nationwide protest announced by the joint platform of 10 central trade unions on February 12. The SKM leaders stated that the protest by the trade unions is justified.

They further added that the trade agreement between India and US on the issue of agriculture is against the interests of farmers. Earlier, the trade unions along with independent sectoral federations and associations, had called for a nationwide general strike on February 12, following a decision endorsed at the National Convention of Workers on January 9.

Amarjit Singh Asal, a trade union leader, said that the strike will be observed across the country with mass mobilisations in both rural and urban areas, covering government, public and private sectors as well as the formal and informal workforce.

While welcoming the support from SKM, he said that agriculture worker unions have also joined in the campaign, with a special focus on the restoration of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA).

He said that the strike is being held in protest against the Union government's labour reforms, particularly the four labour codes, which trade unions allege were introduced without proper consultations and in violation of established labour practices. He added that the codes weaken collective bargaining, restrict the right to strike, dilute workplace safety norms and reduce social security coverage.

The unions are also opposing privatisation of public sector undertakings, changes proposed in agriculture related laws and inadequate budgetary allocations for social sectors such as education, health and welfare.

The joint platform of trade unions has appealed to political parties, youth, students and civil society groups to support the February 12 strike, calling it crucial for protecting the rights of workers and democratic values.