CITU protests anti-worker policies: demands 12-point action from state govt

BY TC News Desk

Agartala, July 10, 2024: The state committee of the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) took to the streets on Wednesday, expressing its strong opposition to the anti-worker policies implemented by both the central and state governments. The organisation submitted a comprehensive 12-point list of demands to the state government during a vigorous march that rolled through the streets of the city, culminating in a meeting at Orient Chowmuhani.

CITU State President Manik Dey did not mince his words in condemning the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government. “This government is clearly anti-worker,” he said. Dey highlighted the government’s relentless pursuit of policies that are detrimental to workers’ rights. “Under the guise of contract work,” he lamented, “people are being forced to work grueling hours without receiving the benefits they are entitled to.”

The Employee Rights Union (ERU) has joined hands with CITU in this protest, strengthening the call for justice. Dey further criticised the delay in payment of wages to various categories of workers, including Anganwadi workers and Asha workers. “Despite their tireless efforts,” he emphasised, “these workers are waiting for their wages.”

The Supreme Court ruling on co-payments in cooperatives has fallen on deaf ears in the state government. “Fair wages,” Dey claimed, “remain elusive due to non-compliance with the court’s verdict.”

Apart from labour issues, Dey also raised concerns about the BJP government’s economic policies. “Government assets are being sold off,” he warned, “and the rising cost of commodities is burdening citizens every day.” He concluded by demanding the scrapping of the new pension scheme in favour of restoring the old one.