By Shaheryar Hossain

Kolkata/ New Delhi: Protesting against the anti labour policies of the government, the Federation of Indian Trade Unions (FITU) took out rally in Kolkata on Monday. Subramani Arumugam, the national president of FITU, spearheaded the march from the Subodh Mallick square till Dharmatala.

“This is a protest rally. We are here for reminding the Narendra Modi government that the labourers will die unnatural death if anti labour policies continue. At present, government are recruiting labourers on contractual basis and not on permanent basis,” Mr. Subramani told Maeeshat.

He reiterated that three lakh labourers lost their jobs due to Demonetisation and the central government should take necessary steps to avert the labour crisis in India.

Objective of the protest rally

Unite against fascism

Fascism is a form of government which is a type of one-party dictatorship. Fascists are against democracy.

Resist anti-labour policy

According to FITU, the government is swiftly changing laws on contract workers to facilitate ‘hire and fire’ policy without paying any compensation.

Challenge crony capitalism

FITU alleged that the strategic role of government has reduced drastically. This change has been formalised recently via the abolition of the Planning Commission by the BJP-led government.

Demands of FITU

Government should take necessary steps to avert the labour crisis in India.

Government should recruit labourers on permanent basis.

Control the price rise of essential commodities and strengthening of PDS system.

Create more employment opportunities as promised by Mr Modi during 2014 election campaign.

To increase the minimum wages not less than Rs.15000/-.

To enhance the pension amount not less than Rs.3000/-.

To stop privatisation

Equal pay for equal work