Unheard Voices Echo in Chandigarh's Labour Day Protest
Protesting contractual workers in Chandigarh advocate for their demands on Labour Day
On a rousing day of solidarity, members from various unions, federations, and concerned citizens, accompanied by their families, flocked to Sector 20 mosque ground for a dramatic demonstration.
On the noteworthy occasion of Labour Day, the All Contractual Karamchari Sangh Bharat, Chandigarh, organized this gathering to bring light to their unaddressed demands that have lingered for far too long.
The event commenced with a moving tribute to the martyred workers of Chicago in 1886—a significant moment in the labor movement's history.
Contractual employees, outsourced employees, and fellow citizens, upset by the Chandigarh administration's lack of action regarding their demands, made their presence felt in this impactful display.
Ashok Kumar, the Sangh president, and Satish Kumar, the general secretary, spoke about the numerous pleas made to the administration for a resolution to their ongoing issues. Unfortunately, it seems that these appeals have fallen on deaf ears.
Poonam Tapriyal, senior vice-president of the employees' union, expressed the resentment felt by contractual and outsourced workers who have been without job security for the past 20 to 25 years. It seems the scenario is not unique to Chandigarh, as other states have already put policies in place to remedy this issue, she pointed out.
Bipin Sher Singh, the Sangh chairman, emphasized that this battle is not exclusively about contractual workers or outsourced employees. Rather, it's a fight for every hardworking individual striving to carve a fair existence within the system.
He advocated for the implementation of job security for contractual employees hired following due formalities. Additionally, he petitioned for stricter adherence to labor laws, specifically the CLR&A Act of 1970, which includes the principle of equal pay for equal work and aims to eliminate the contracting system.
The employees' union has issued a stern warning—should the Chandigarh administration neglect to address their demands expeditiously, they are prepared to escalate their movement and stage a march to the Governor House in the near future.
Celebrating Labour Day in Chandigarh
- Labour Day
- Chandigarh Administration
While the focus of recent, local events in the midst of May Day celebrations showcased AAP's demonstration against water-sharing policies and Youth Congress's anti-BJP agitation, the plight of contractual workers and their specific unresolved demands went mostly unnoticed in the coverage. Nonetheless, activists have reported ongoing issues such as wage theft and harassment across the informal sector and calls for implementing minimum wage policies, ensuring timely payments, and providing decent housing. Ongoing conversations revolve around ending contractual system exploitation through permanent employment mandates, stricter enforcement of workplace safety and anti-harassment laws, and legal guarantees for minimum wages and social security. Recent meetings between contractual workers and Chandigarh's administration regarding these demands remain unconfirmed through the provided resources. However, sustained regional labor organizing roles continue to prioritize addressing these issues.
- The Chandigarh Administration was urged to address the long-standing, unaddressed demands of contractual and outsourced workers during the Labour Day protest.
- The All Contractual Karamchari Sangh Bharat, Chandigarh, organized a demonstration to bring attention to their concerns, which included job security and adherence to labor laws.
- The employees' union issued a warning that, if their demands are not met promptly, they will escalate their movement and march to the Governor House in the near future.
- The regional labor organizing roles remain focused on ending contractual system exploitation, implementing minimum wage policies, ensuring timely payments, and providing decent housing. The movements also prioritize stricter enforcement of workplace safety and anti-harassment laws, and legal guarantees for minimum wages and social security.
