Workers' rights are no charity: CPI(M)

CPI(M) on Friday defended the ongoing day-long nationwide strike called by 10 central trade unions (CTUs) over various issues including government's "anti-labour" reforms, saying the protest is for "each one of us" and that workers' rights are "no charity".

"Today's #AllIndiaStrike is for workers (organised and unorganised), farmers, unemployed and for each one of us.

"#AllIndiaStrike #Today #Workers #Dignity #Livelihood #RightsNotCharity," party General Secretary Sitaram Yechury said in a series of tweets.

The Marxist leader also reiterated one of the 12 key demands put forth by the CTUs that the minimum wage for workers from both organised and unorganised sectors must be at least Rs 18,000 per month (approximately Rs 692 per day).

In one of his posts, the Rajya Sabha member also sought to know why there is a ceiling on bonus, provident fund and gratuity when there are "no limits on profits" of employers.

All major unions, except RSS-associated Bhartiya Mazdoor Sangh, have joined the strike call, protesting against "anti-worker" changes in labour laws and the Centre's "indifference" to their demands for better wages.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had on Thursday said there would be no strike in the state and had warned of strict action against those who disrupt public life.

According to media reports, the government has increased the minimum wage for unskilled non-agricultural workers in central public sector units to Rs 350 per day from Rs 246, which the CTUs said was "completely inadequate".