Trade unions to stage strike on Sept 2

A joint association of central trade unions (CTU) of various political hues today decided to hold a day-long strike across the country on September 2 in support of their demands.
Labelling the Centre as "anti-worker" and being "over-busy" in amending labour laws to "empower employers", the 11 unions, which included RSS-affiliated Bhartiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS), AITUC, CITU, INTUC, HMS, AIUTUC, TUCC, SEWA, AICCTU, UTUC and LPF, asked the government to pay heed to its 10-point charter of demands and sought minimum wage of Rs 15,000 per month for workers.
A declaration in this regard was made at a national convention of workers, against labour law amendments and FDI in strategic sectors even as the BJP-led NDA government completed a year in power today.

Speaking at the convention, Brijesh Upadhyay of BMS said governments of big countries in the world are singing one tune and "ease of doing business" is considered as the only agenda.
"Roads are being cleared for doing business. And whoever, comes in the way of doing business, 'remove him'... We are here to maintain non-political character. Let there be government of any party. If government works in the interest of workers, then we will walk four steps to welcome it.
"(But) if the government ignores interest of workers, then we will take the battle to streets. We are for ensuring interests of workers; we don't care who is in power," Upadhyay said while addressing the gathering of workers which also included banking, insurance and defence sector employees.

Upadhyay said unions will need to consider unconventional ways to stage fights to attain their rights.