CUDDALORE:
The All India Bank Employees' Association (AIBEA) will participate in the national-level “workers' march to Delhi” scheduled for February 23, according to R.Vijayakumar, joint secretary of AIBEA.
Addressing a meeting organised under the aegis of the Cuddalore District Bank Employees' Association here, Mr. Vijayakumar said the central trade unions such as INTUC, AITUC, HMS, CITU, AIUTUC, TUCC, AICCTU and UTUC, and certain other workers' federations had set upon the course of action as the Union government “remained indifferent to the soaring prices of essential commodities, unemployment and violation of labour laws.”
The trade unions were of the view that the Public Distribution System had failed to provide the minimum necessities at subsidised prices to the poor and marginalised. Unemployment was at its peak and the job that was available now was underpaid, he said.
Labour cost Millions of Anganwadi, mid-day meal and Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHA workers) were getting less than half the statutory minimum wages.
For reducing labour cost, the companies were resorting to contract system or outsourcing. Mr. Vijayakumar said trade union rights were denied and repressive measures by law enforcing authorities were unleashed against the legitimate union activities.
