Massive dharna staged over Modi govt policies

• Labour union leaders condemn Centre’s anti-labour policies
• PM colluding with corporates, neglecting farmers and labourers
• Demand withdrawal of amendments to labour laws
• Seek increase in minimum wages for contract employees
• Govt should honour SC ruling on equal work, equal pay 

Musheerabad: As part of Bharath Bandh, a two-day national strike, called by central trade unions condemning repressive policies of Central government against workers, thousands of workers and labour union members staged a protest at Dharna Chowk, near Indira Park on Tuesday. 

Protesting against the anti-labour policies, several labour union leaders alleged that the Central government led by Narendra Modi destroyed the public sector through his anti-labour and anti-people policies. 

They accused the Prime Minister of colluding with corporate companies and neglecting farming and labour communities. They alleged that Modi failed to fulfil his promise of providing two crore jobs.

Labour unions and employee associations put forth 12 demands for undertaking nationwide strike. 

They are: Withdrawal of labour law amendments in view of upcoming Parliament elections, increase in minimum wages for outsourcing and contract employees, implementation of Supreme Court ruling stating equal work, equal pay, providing job security to Anganwadi workers, control prices of essential commodities, raise minimum wage to Rs 18,000 and stop FDI in defence, railways, insurance and banking sectors.
 
Prominent among those who participated in ‘maha dharna’ include state secretary of AICUTC Ratnakar Rao, state secretary of INTUC Janak Prasad, president of Telangana state labour department Rambabu, Kiran, Padma and others.