IFTU members hold protest against Delhi government

Alleging "callousness" by the Kejriwal government in fulfilling its pre-poll promise of addressing the problems of workers, members of Indian Federation of Trade Unions (IFTU) today held a demonstration outside Delhi Secretariat.
Slamming the Delhi government, IFTU said that the "real face" of the government was evident from the fact that in its own office "about 200 workers work on contract and are paid less than minimum wages."
Hundreds of protesters gathered near ITO flyover at Ring Road. Holding flags, banners and placards, they marched towards Secretariat but were stopped by the police on their way after which the demonstration was converted to public meeting.

"All the pre-poll promises like abolition of contract system, ensuring minimum wages, eradication of corruption in labour department and police etc have gone into cold storage.
"This must be noted that workers particularly the private industrial workers have played a key role in the landslide victory of this government. Not even 10 per cent factories follow labour laws," President of IFTU Animesh Das said in a statement.
He claimed that the workers are forced to work for a meagre Rs 7,000 for 12 hours.

"Even if ESI or PF contribution are deducted, it is not deposited and this is all with connivance of the labour department," Das said.

They demanded that minimum wages and other laws should be strictly implemented and contract labour system be abolished while implementing equal work equal pay.
"There should be exemplary punishment for the owners of the factories in industrial accidents and labour department should assume the responsibility in prosecuting them.
"Also, all social security for building and construction works be implemented properly and scholarship for the year 2012-13, 2013-14 for the children of these workers be released immediately," IFTU said in a statement.