The industrial strike call given by 10 central trade unions on January 8-9 is likely to turn into a political event as Opposition parties have pledged support for it.
More than 200 farmers’ organisations have also decided to support the strike and organise a rural hartal and rail and road blockades in villages, in solidarity with the industrial workers.
The trade union leaders said the strike will give a call to workers to establish a “progressive” government at the Centre by voting out Narendra Modi in the general elections.
The 12-point charter of demands includes containing unemployment, strict enforcement of basic labour laws without any exception, stringent punitive measures for violation of labour laws, universal social security cover for all workers, minimum wages of not less than ₹18,000, pension not less than ₹3,000, ending disinvestment and strategic sale, ending contract system in permanent jobs, removal of ceilings on payment of bonus, provident fund and gratuity and is against FDI in Railways, Insurance and Defence sector.
President of Congress’ trade union wing INTUC and former MP G Sanjeeva Reddy said Congress President Rahul Gandhi has assured support to the two-day strike. “We are not holding strike for any new allowances or rights but to protect the rights we earned after decades of struggle. This government has been the most anti-worker and anti-poor in the history of India. The income of workers has decreased. Contract-based jobs have increased. Unemployment also has increased,” Reddy said.
He said he held discussions with the Congress President on the issues of workers and had sought his support for the strike. “He has extended wholehearted support for the strike. We will ask workers to elect a progressive government at the Centre, which will address the problems of workers,” Reddy said.
Farmers offer support
More than 200 farmers’ organisations, under the banner of Bhumi Adhikar Andolan, have also decided to support the strike. “The demands raised by industrial workers are genuine and the farmers will support them. We have given a call for rural hartal and rail and road blockades on January 8-9. This is going to be a major political movement,” said All India Kisan Sabha General Secretary Hannan Mollah.
Mollah said the farmers, who have also been protesting for better remuneration, loan waiver and ensured procurement, can understand and associate themselves with the plight of workers. He said peasants and workers are protesting for relief to farmers and workers, land, better wages and defence of democratic rights. He said a recent protest of farmers had urged the people to be cautious against communally polarising issues that are manufactured to divert attention from the real issues. “We will defeat such gimmicks played by the Sangh Parivar,” Mollah added.