Worker unions oppose salary cut

Tribune News service

Shimla, May 3

Various unions of workers came together on Labour Day here on Friday to oppose layoffs, salary cuts and proposed increase in working hours from eight to 12 in the private sector. They demanded a bailout package, including a minimum financial support of Rs 7,500 to enable them to feed their families during the crisis triggered by the lockdown, from the government.

“Migrant labourers are not able to feed their families and are forced to beg the government for help,” he added.

The employee unions from power plants, state and private sector companies and of contractual labourers came together under the banner of CITU holding placards. They submitted a charter of demands to the government. However, they did not hold a protest march due to the curfew.

CITU state president Vijendra Mehra said the state and Central governments should direct companies to stop layoffs, retrenchment and salary cut of employees with immediate effect. “The unions oppose any move to increase working hours from eight to 12,” he added.