Trade unions protest against new labour codes in Chamba
CITU demands regularisation of Anganwari workers, timely monthly payment of honorarium and gratuity as per the Supreme Court’s judgment
Several unions affiliated with the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) observed a strike in Chamba on Thursday, staging a massive rally and dharna at the district headquarters in response to a nationwide call by the Coordination Committee of Central Trade Unions.
Members of the Anganwari Workers Union, Mid-Day Meal Workers Union and employees of various power projects in the district participated in the rally, led by CITU district secretary Sudesh Thakur and district president Narendra.
Union leaders opposed the implementation of the four Labour Codes by the Central Government. They alleged the new laws undermined workers’ rights and favour corporate interests.
“The implementation of the four Labour Codes by the Central Government is pushing workers towards exploitation for the benefit of capitalists. The working class will not tolerate this. We demand that these Labour Codes be withdrawn immediately and that the government hold talks with central trade unions to address the pending demands of workers,” Sudesh said.
She also demanded regularisation of Anganwari workers, timely monthly payment of honorarium, gratuity as per the Supreme Court’s judgment, and the withdrawal of FRS. Sudesh called for minimum wages, 12 months’ salary and leave benefits for Mid-Day Meal workers.
Other demands included equal pay for equal work and regularisation of outsourced workers in NHPC, strict implementation of labour laws in hydro projects, minimum wages and statutory facilities for 102 and 108 employees, and an end to alleged harassment of SBI outsourced staff. Thakur also urged the government to withdraw the smart meter scheme, scrap VB Gram G and restore MGNREGA.
CITU said if their demands are not met, the trade unions would intensify agitation in the coming days.
Meanwhile, HPSEBL employees observed a strike in Chamba on Wednesday. Members of the Joint Action Committee (JAC) of HPSEBL Employees, Engineers, and Pensioners protested against pending demands related to recruitment and pension benefits as part of a statewide call.
Employees gathered to raise slogans against the management and state government, expressing resentment over unresolved issues. JAC leaders highlighted concerns over recent developments affecting recruitment and service policies, which they say adversely impact serving employees and pensioners. Key demands included safeguarding employees’ rights, addressing anomalies in recruitment processes, and resolving pension-related issues, including matters linked to the Old Pension Scheme.
