Srinaga, May 01(Scoop News)- The month of May opens with a history of struggle going back several generations, with workers across the globe coming together to celebrate May 01 as an expression of their international amity and shared political aspirations for freedom. Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) extends revolutionary greetings to the working class and other toiling sections, who have been in continuous struggles to defend their rights and livelihood.
CITU State President Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami said that the woes of labourers are on an upsurge and the labour laws across the state of J&K are being brazenly flouted. The destitute lot engaged in the government sector as ad-hoc, casual and contract employees are earning monthly wages which does not qualify under the Minimum Wage Act, he added.
As far as the neglect of labour class and Minimum Wages Act is concerned, Jammu and Kashmir is the worst example. The dismal pay scale offers little for families dependent on the workers for their survival. ASHA and Anganwadi workers; daily-rated, casual, need based and contractual labourers- all fall in the same unfortunate category, Tarigami remarked.
He demanded that ASHA workers, Anganwadi workers & helpers be brought under Minimum Wages Act and covered under social security benefits including gratuity, pension, provident fund etc. He said that casual labourers, daily wagers, need based and seasonal workers working in different departments should be regularized and paid their pending wages.
Observing that the construction workers in Jammu and Kashmir are still not under the umbrella of laws safeguarding their rights and security, the CITU President stated that the (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Act, 1996 was introduced to protect the right of labourers working in construction jobs – the Building and Other Construction Workers which the state adopted in 2006. However, implementation of the Act on the ground remains non functional as the labourers are denied their benefits
Underlining the necessity for immediate redressal of the demands of Four Lane tunnel workers, Horticulture Employees, PDD Daily wagers, Centaur Hotel Employees, Aircel Security Guards, J&K Bank Gardeners, Mid-day Meal Workers, Contingency Paid Workers, CITU also demanded a comprehensive plan for tackling the unemployment in the State. It demanded seriousness on part the government towards the demands of State Employees which include removal of pay anomalies, regularization of contractual employees etc.
Stating that unity and struggle are our weapons in our fight against oppression and exploitation, The CITU president appealed that entire working class to strengthen unity to defeat the attacks on their rights and lives.
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