Trade unions in the city celebrated May Day with camaraderie as thousands of workers took to the streets demanding improvement in working conditions, industrial safety and implementation of various labour laws.
Red flags and banners were seen in most parts of the city with many belonging to the unorganised sector like autorickshaw drivers, rickshaw-pullers and construction workers taking out a rally seeking social security measures. Meetings were held at various places highlighting the importance of May Day.
Unions belonging CPI and CPI (M) were in the forefront of celebrations. INTUC organised rallies and meetings at Chittivalasa, Gajuwaka, Pendurthy, One Town and other areas.
Speaking at May Day celebrations at Sriharipuram, Ukkunagaram and Atchutapuram, CPI (M) district secretary Ch. Narsinga Rao said the trade unions should launch a united fight to safeguard their interests and cited how for the first time a general strike could be organised successfully in February for 48 hours to press for several important demands.
Steel AITUC took out a huge rally with 1,000 bikes, cars and cycles at Ukkunagaram and Gajuwaka. Visakha Steel Workers Union, Visakha Steel Project Contract Workers’ Union, Visakha Steel City Motor Workers’ Union took part in the rally.
AITUC national vice-president D. Adinarayana demanded implementation of VSP’s expansion without compromising on safety, revision in wages, pension scheme for steel workers and minimum wage Rs. 10,000 to 12,000 per month to all contract workers.
INTUC leader Mantri Rajasekhar employees have to fight for various demands united so as to exert pressure on the managements. A meeting was held by NALCO at its office near Convent Junction to highlight the importance of May Day.
CPI district secretary J.V. Satyanarayana Murthy said anti-worker policies of multinationals should be resisted taking inspiration from May Day movement that originated in Chicago. He hoisted the flag at the CPI district office.
East Coast Railway Shramik Union organised May Day meeting in a befitting manner at Gandhi Rail Shramik Bhavan.
