Implementation of wage board order sought

Belagavi: Four resolutions, including implementation of the Seventh Tripartite Wage Board order in all sugar factories across Karnataka, were passed at a state-level sugar workers’ convention organised by the Karnataka United Sugar Workers’ Federation (KUSWF) here on Sunday.The workers demanded that steps be taken to get the stay order obtained by some sugar factories against the wage board order vacated. They also urged the government to revive and reopen closed government and cooperative sugar factories in the state.The convention demanded that the services of contract, daily-wage and outsourced workers who had been working for a long period be regularised. It also sought statutory benefits such as PF, ESI, bonus, gratuity, leave, weekly holidays and overtime allowance.Karnataka employers body on wage advisory boardThe workers demanded the withdrawal of the four labour codes introduced by the Union government, alleging that they were anti-worker. They also urged the authorities to stop curbing workers’ rights to strike and form trade unions.KUSWF president Aravi Basavanagouda said workers needed to launch an organised struggle to protect their rights.Federation working president Chakrapani alleged that exploitation of workers continued in several sugar factories across the state.He said Ministers Santosh Lad and Rudrappa Lamani could not attend the convention due to the election Model Code of Conduct. “They have assured us that they will discuss workers’ issues with representatives of the organisation and resolve them in the coming days,” he said.AIUTUC state president K Somashekar said: “Workers’ rights are being taken away through the labour codes. Governments that waive loans of industrialists are not paying heed to the problems of workers.”Basavaraj Pujar, Vijay Yadav and Labour Officer Mallikarjun Jogur were present. A large number of sugar workers participated in the convention. Earlier, the workers took out a procession demanding fulfilment of their various demands.

Source: Deccan Herald