Letters: Don't become a pawn

With reference to the editorial, "An unnecessary strike" (September 1), large-scale transformation is occurring due to rapid technological innovations and their penetration in all fields. Conventional systems and procedures have undergone drastic changes to cope with developments across the world. However these changes have not had any effect either on the organisational set-up or the functioning of trade unions in India.

Labour being one of the most important resources for economic activity, trade unions as the protectors of workers' rights have a vital role to play in the economic growth and development of a country. It is of paramount importance for trade unions to distance themselves from gimmicks of political parties to maintain harmonious industrial relations.

While trade unions must stand for the rights of the working class, it is necessary for them to ensure that they don't become a pawn of either the ruling parties or the Opposition, as both have their respective agenda. Associating with parties will lower the workers' morality. Hence trade unions need to remain a separate collective body to protect the interests of workers, and refrain from compromising their rights for political gains.

VSK Pillai Kottayam

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