Beedi workers seek hike in dearness allowance

They threaten to go on a strike

July 23, 2014 10:07 am | Updated 10:07 am IST - Mangalore:

Several beedi workers took to the streets in protest here on Tuesday demanding the implementation of a government order that increased the dearness allowance (DA) for beedi workers. Gathering under the banner of the All India Trade Union Congress, in front of the Kudroli Bharat Beedi Company building, the protestors said beedi companies had yet to implement the government order issued in April 2014. The order directs employer to pay Rs. 21.15 as dearness allowance (DA) per 1,000 beedis rolled.

Low DA

“Even though four months have passed, the companies are still paying low DA and are looking to subvert this order. Private companies only aim to make profits,” said V.S. Berinja, general secretary of the Kannada Beedi Workers’ Federation.

He dismissed the excuses of low profitability given by beedi companies in deferring the implementation of the order. “If there are losses, it is not because of the workers. It is because of the wrong industrial policies of the government, health awareness and change in perceptions of society.

That doesn’t mean the workers should be given meagre pay,” Mr. Berinja

Increased DA was “necessary” for beedi workers to cope with the rise in the price of essential items, Mr. Berinja said. Action should be taken against the companies who have not implemented the order yet, he said. The protestors claimed that they will be forced to go on a strike if the increased DA is not paid.

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