Demanding minimum wages for workers in the unorganised sector, the Ossongothito Khetra Sramik Sangrami Manch, an umbrella organisation of trade unions, will organise a rally in Kolkata on November 11. The rally will also protest against the Centre’s alleged attempt to reduce the scope of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA).
Addressing a press conference here on Friday, manch convener Somenath Ghosh said members of more than 20 trade unions will participate in the rally. The manch has accused the Bharatiya Janata Party-led government at the Centre of trying to dilute labour laws, which in turn will curb the right of workers in the unorganised sector to join trade unions.
They also claimed that as per the amendments, factory owners will be allowed to hire 50 per cent workers as apprentices, which will lead to more violation of labour rights.
The manch also criticised the All-India Trinamool Congress (AITC) for dragging its feet on implementing the National Food Security Act (NFSA) in West Bengal.
Trade union activist Anuradha Talwar said they will meet legislative leaders of the ruling-AITC, as well the Opposition parties in the State and urge them to pass a resolution in the Legislative Assembly against the alleged “curtailing” of the MNREGA.
Later, Ms. Talwar met the Leader of Opposition in the State Assembly Surya Kanta Mishra.
“Mr. Mishra told us that he will take initiative regarding the all-party resolution,” Ms. Talwar told The Hindu , adding that he expressed his support for the cause.
