A convention of Central trade unions today decided to intensify their agitation for implementation of their charter demands with demonstrations in state capitals on September 25 and march to Parliament on December 12.
The decision came as the unions leaders blamed the Centre for doing little to address their demands which include fixing a minimum wage not less than Rs 10,000, universal social security coverage for all workers, assured pension for working population and same wage and benefits for contract workers as their regular counterparts.
"Despite two meeting with the Group of Ministers to look into the demands, government is not serious and does not seem to take things forward," AITUC general secretary Gurudas Dasgupta told reporters.
"There is an unprecedented economic crisis in the country because of the policies of the government and this is affecting the working class hard," he said.
Though not averse to FDI in the country, Dasgupta said the trade unions will support FDI in certain sectors to the point that if it generates employment for all and is in the overall interest.
However, one of the unions leaders at the convention supported the idea of going to strike early next year but felt such a decision would not be a wise move as it would then be interpreted differently before the general elections.
The unions had observed a two-day general strike on February 20 and 21 this year in support of their charter of demands following which the government had decided to constitute a GoM to look into the demands.
The declaration adopted today condemned little movement following the setting up of the committee and resolved to hold "massive demonstration" before Parliament with mobilisation from neighbouring states on December 12 and demonstration and rallies in all state capitals on September 25.
The unions are also demanding strict implementation of labour laws, concrete measures to contain price rise and employment generation, stoppage of disinvestment in central and State PSUs and removal of all ceilings on payment and eligibility of Bonus, provident fund.
