Work as usual in Baddi, Barotiwala, Nalagarh, no impact of workers’ stir
Industrial activity registered no disruption in the industrial hub of Baddi-Barotiwala-Nalagarh as trade unions observed a day-long strike against the labour policies of the Central Government on Thursday. Ten trade unions had given a call for a nationwide strike against the labour codes and in the support of demands pertaining to labour rights, privatisation and wage policies.
The All India Trade Union Congress, CITU, Kisan Sabha and various labour organisations jointly organised a rally in support of the nationwide strike and addressed the gathering at the Mini Secretariat complex in Nalagarh. Factory, anganwari and mid-day meal workers, transport and other employees took part in the rally and raised slogans for worker-farmer unity.
The speakers said that this nationwide strike, organised to address issues concerning workers, employees, farmers and the general public was aimed at drawing the attention of the government towards the problems of the labour class. CITU state treasurer Jagat Ram, senior vice-president Om Dutt Sharma, Daljit Singh, Anil Kumar, Nirmal Kaur, Santosh Kumari, Mahendra Singh, Mamta, AITUC district president Satish Sharma, Lalbachhan, Naresh Ghai and the representatives of various unions took part in the protest. Kisan Sabha Nalagarh president Mohan Lal, secretary Surma Singh, Kamal Rana and other workers also participated.
The union leaders opposed the four labor codes, which they said would reduce permanent employment and promote contract and fixed-term employment. They also criticised inflation, privatisation, outsourcing, changes in transportation regulations and public sector disinvestment as anti-worker policies. Farmer organisations emphasised solidarity with workers and raised the issues of support prices, debt relief and agricultural security.
The protesters demanded the withdrawal of the four labor codes, hike in minimum wage to Rs 26,000 per month, regularisation of the services of anganwari, ASHA, mid-day meal and outsourced workers, equal pay for equal work and the guaranteed 150 days of employment under MGNREGA.
