Trade union leaders highlight grievances, demands
Srinagar, May 01: Hundreds of workers carrying red flags and banners assembled at Sher-i-Kashmir Park here to mark the International Labour Day. Organised by the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU), the rally was attended by the scheme workers, daily wagers and contractual & seasonal labourers associated with the Kashmir Constructional Workers Union.
Veteran Kisan leader Ghulam Nabi Malik greeted the participants and the venue reverberated with slogans like ‘Inqilab Zindabad’ (Long Live Revolution) and ‘Dunaya Bar Ke Mehnat Kashaoo Ek Hojav’ (Workers Of The World, Unite).
In his address, Malik paid tributes to the Chicago martyrs of 1886 and the martyrs of Zaldagar Srinagar.
The Union in a statement issued here said, “On April 29, 1865, scores of poor shawl weavers, groaning under the crushing debts, took out a protest rally and marched through the streets and thoroughfares of Srinagar against the unjustified and arbitrary taxes levied on them by the Dogra ruler. When they reached near Zaldagar locality, the Dogra troops surrounded them and emptied their guns on them, killing at least 28 of them.”
Mohamad Afzal Parray, DDC chairperson and a trade union leader said, “The present dispensation is making every attempt to erode whatever the achievement had been made by the working class over the years. The government has been initiating harsh measures against the working class across the country. The policies pursued by the government have led to job losses and the livelihood of common people. The unemployment rates have reached the levels never seen before. The government has miserably failed to address the issues people face. Stone quarry workers are being harassed and their livelihoods have been affected.”
Abdul Rashid Pandit, Convenor CITU J&K said that the working class has tremendous tasks in these challenging times to continue building broader possible unity to defend their natural resources and national assets. “It is very unfortunate that the government bills the activities carried out by various unions and associations as anti-national and people are being harassed on a daily basis,” he said, adding, “The new social media policy enacted by the government is aimed at barring the employees and workers in several government departments to criticise the policies concerning them.”
Mohamad Yaqub Ganie, the trade union leader said, “The scheme workers like Anganwadi workers, helpers and ASHAs are compelled to work on paltry emoluments. They have been fighting for better remuneration or a fixed salary over the last many years but to no avail. Similarly, the Mid-Day Meal Workers, CPWs, MGNREGA employees, contractual, HDF, construction workers, Need-Based, Seasonal and casual labourers are neglected and their long pending demands are not being met.”
He said the demand for implementation of the Minimum Wages Act was underscored and it was urged upon the government to fix the minimum wages to Rs 26,000 per month for all casual labourers, seasonals, contractual, daily workers, transport workers, workers working in different industries and shops.
Among others, who addressed the rally were Lateefa, Haneefa and Suraya of the Anganwadi Workers & Helpers Union, Dilshada and Firdousa of the ASHA Workers Union.
CIC Operators of RDD demand salary hike
On the International Labour Day, the Community Information Centre (CIC) Operators of the Rural Development Department (RDD) in Jammu and Kashmir expressed resentment against what they perceive as a “grave injustice”.
The CIC operators in a statement issued here said that despite their qualifications and years of service, they find themselves at the bottom of the pay scale, being paid Rs 333 per day, far below the stipulated minimum wage.
“Recruited through a rigorous selection process back in 2004, these highly skilled youths are now voicing their plea for fair compensation. Their plea is not merely about finances; it reflects the stark reality of their lives. For these CIC operators, the current wage disparity translates into a daily struggle for survival, marked by hardship and suffering,” the statement added.
The CIC Operators of RDD have appealed to the Lieutenant Governor’s administration to address their salary hike issue. They have called for adherence to the Minimum Wage Act, emphasising the importance of equitable pay for all workers.
‘NC took path-breaking initiatives for welfare of workforce’
Senior National Conference leaders on Wednesday lauded the resilience and fortitude of the workforce for their sustained efforts in building ‘Naya Jammu and Kashmir’ as per the dreams of visionaries who envisioned a progressive, prosperous and peaceful state.
They said that May Day is reminiscent of the workers’ rights and societal response towards their well-being. The meeting was organised by Nar Singh President Labour Wing JKNC, the party said in a statement issued here.
Addressing the gathering Ajay Sadhotra, Additional General Secretary JKNC and former Minister, said, “It is a day of introspection for us all to ponder whether we have succeeded in assuaging their aspirations and urges.” He complimented the “relentless campaign” of the Labour Union in fighting for the genuine cause of the workforce.
The former minister said, “National Conference has always fought for the cause of labour-class and said their welfare was an integral part of Naya Jammu and Kashmir Charter.” He made a particular mention of interest evinced by ‘Sher-e-Kashmir’ Sheikh Mohammed Abdullah for the empowerment of weaker sections, especially the labour force and said this continues to be a guiding force for the party. “Labour force are the builders of nation and catalyst of socio-economic transformation,” he added
Sadhotra castigated the Bharatiya Janata Party for ignoring the welfare of the labour force, saying that the party remained entangled in divisive politics and ditched the people, especially weaker sections.
Addressing the gathering, former minister and Zone President Udhampur Reasi Abdul Gani Malik referred to the background of this day and said it is being observed on May 01 all over the world to highlight the need for restoration of labour rights with a view to bridge the gap between haves and have nots for harmonious growth of the society.
Babu Rampaul, former minister and Central Zone President recalled the “great role played by Sheikh Sahib for weaker sections of society, especially the labour force”.
Highlighting the problems of the labour class, President State Central Labour Union, Nar Singh listed several issues, saying these are needed to be earnestly looked into by the government. The speakers stressed the crucial need of economic emancipation and welfare of the workforce.
Congress leader vows support for labour rights
On the occasion of World Labour Day, Yashpal Kundal, the Vice President of the Jammu and Kashmir State unit of the Indian National Congress, congratulated all the hardworking employees across the region and the nation.
Underlining the Congress Party’s commitment to the welfare of labourers, Kundal reiterated the party’s promise to provide a daily wage of Rs 400 to every worker, as outlined in its manifesto. He assured that upon the formation of a Congress government, efforts would be initiated to regularize all temporary employees, granting them permanent status.
Highlighting the party’s dedication to ensuring justice and empowerment for the working class, Kundal said economic stability and equal upliftment are important. He affirmed the Congress Party’s pledge to enforce minimum wage laws in Jammu and Kashmir and advocated for strengthened wages.
In addition to advocating for workers’ rights, the Congress leader said it is important to safeguard the rights of farmers which he said are integral to the working class. He called for justice for unorganised sector workers in Jammu and Kashmir and urged measures to protect their rights and provide adequate support.
Will effectively implement Minimum Wage Act: Apni Party
Apni Party Provincial President Jammu and former minister, S. Manjit Singh on Wednesday expressed commitment to empower the working class and farmers if the party forms the government in Jammu and Kashmir.
As per a press release, the former minister chaired a monthly meeting of the Party workers here at Vijaypur to discuss the party strategy and issues of the people to strengthen it on the ground.
During the meeting, the party leaders informed S. Manjit Singh about the difficulties the people, especially the border residents, and farmers were facing.
On listening to them, Manjit Singh assured them that the demands related to development would be highlighted before the concerned authorities for the early redressal. He directed the party cadre to intensify their activities in every nook and corner of the district Samba.
Speaking on the occasion, Singh said the party is committed to doing justice to the working class and accordingly, empowering them for their equitable upliftment to bring economic stability for them.
He said the Apni Party wants to strengthen the working class by effectively and practically implementing the Minimum Wage Act in Jammu and Kashmir, and accordingly, the wages of the workers would also be enhanced both in organised and unorganised sectors.
Singh sought justice for the workers in the unorganized sector in J&K and the protection of the rights of such workers. “These workers in the unorganized sector should get free medical treatment, and other related benefits which are available provided in the organized sector,” he said, expressing commitment to work for their welfare.
The Apni Party leader added, “We are committed to implementing policies that would benefit the working class and farmers in J&K.”
