International Labour Day observed in city

Tribune News Service

Bathinda, May 1

Members of different unions took out rallies in the city to observe International Labour Day on Wednesday. CPI (M) and CITU members observed the day by unfurling the flag of the union at its office.

Addressing a gathering of union members, Gurcharan Singh, secretary of the union, said, “Successive governments have failed to implement and translate labour laws and subsequent translation of benefits. All these governments have done is to exploit the labour class of the country by divesting them from their due benefits. Dearness allowance instalments of employees from different departments have been lying pending.”

Singh added, “Cow cess is levied by the government but stray animals continue to roam freely on roads. Stray animals not only cause disruption in traffic movement but also cause fatal accidents and claim lives of innocent people but authorities concerned have barely taken any concrete steps to resolve the issue so far. The union government has been laying focus on privatisation of various government departments which will only deteriorate the plight of labour class as capitalists of the country would exploit the labour class for its own vested interest further.”

The union members also said that demonetisation and GST had caused more harm to the small and medium scale trader than any other decision by the union government. The state government has failed in delivering on its promises so far. The union members pledged to put up a united face against the ruling government and continue their struggle for the implementation of labour laws in the country.

MRSPTU

To mark the International Labour Day, a special programme was organised by the employees unions of the institution where rich tributes were paid to the martyrs of Chicago at Maharaja Ranjit Singh Punjab Technical University (MRSPTU). A flag hoisting ceremony was also organised.

University vice-chancellor professor Mohan Paul Singh Ishar said, “May Day or International Labour Day is a celebration of labourers and the working classes, promoted by the international labour movement.”

“We recognise and honour the invaluable contributions that our labour has made towards the development of the country. It is my promise to them that university authorities will always work towards their betterment,” added VC.

He also reminded the workers to differentiate between work culture in public and private sector.

MRSPTU registrar Dr Ashish Baldi expressed gratitude to the employees acknowledging their contributions for the welfare of the university. He motivated them to keep doing work for the development of the university. He assured every possible support to them from university administration.

Campus director Dr Savina Bansal, Dr Jasbir Singh Hundal, Dean Research and Development and Employees Union leaders also spoke on the occasion.

PMRA

Members of the Punjab Medical Representatives Association (Bathinda unit) observed International Labour Day in the city on Wednesday. The event was attended by the senior executive members of the union who discussed the historical significance of celebrating the labour day. The member of the union also paid homage to the people who in the past have made sacrifices for the emancipation of labour class. A flag hoisting ceremony was also performed. The members conceded that violation of labour laws would not be tolerated and firms indulging in any sort of violation against labour laws would be dealt strictly. In the end two minute of silence was observed in the remembrance of martyrs of Chicago.

Lok Janshakti Party

To observe International Labour Day, members of the Lok Janshakti Party organised a rally at Ambedkar Park where representatives of the union delivered speeches highlighting the significance of the day and plight of labour class in the post-Independence era.

Addressing the gathering, Kiranjit Singh Gehri, state president of the union, said, “The union government must provide Rs 24,000 minimum wages to all the workers irrespective of the sectors they working for. MGNREGA scheme must be implemented with full capacity and be included in the nagar panchayat’s ambit. Workers attached to the scheme must be given remuneration for 300 days in a year and if there is no work on some days then adequate compensation be given for the same.”

Gehri added, “Workers must be given Rs 5 lakhs insurance for life and health. Women workers must be given residential plots on subsidised rates under special schemes. Children of workers must be given admissions in private schools under RTE guidelines. ESI hospitals and dispensaries be introduced at district level and free medicines should be provided there. Security guards and cleaning staff must be directly recruited in schools and other departments. And most importantly, the contract system must be abolished and permanent appointment of employees must be done on regular basis.”