Gurgaon Trade Unions Demand Immediate Release of Arrested Workers, Announce Statewide Protest
Trade unions in Haryana have issued a strong demand for the immediate release of workers arrested following protests at IMT Manesar on April 9, where demonstrators were seeking a significant hike in minimum wages. The unions have also called for a statewide protest scheduled for April 16, intensifying their campaign for better labor conditions.
Condemnation of "Unprovoked Repression"
In a memorandum submitted to the Haryana government, the unions vehemently condemned what they described as "unprovoked repression" against peaceful protesters. CITU state vice-president Satbir Singh highlighted the dire circumstances facing workers, stating they are struggling amid rising inflation, exorbitant rents, and soaring prices of essential commodities. Singh emphasized that many workers are forced to endure 12-hour shifts without receiving overtime pay or even the mandated minimum wages.
Administrative Response and Wage Hike
District president Suresh Nauhra criticized the administration for resorting to force instead of engaging in dialogue with the protesters. He noted that under mounting pressure, the state government announced a wage increase on April 9, but unions have dismissed this as "inadequate." The government notification increased minimum wages by 35%, effective from April 1. However, trade unions are pushing for a more substantial raise, demanding a minimum monthly wage of Rs 30,000 and an end to what they term "harassment" of workers.
Arrests and Legal Charges
The protests turned violent when hundreds of contractual workers from multiple companies at IMT Manesar vandalized and set fire to police vehicles, leading to clashes with law enforcement. This resulted in the filing of two FIRs and the arrest of 55 individuals, including approximately 20 women. The charges filed against them are severe, encompassing:
- Attempt to murder
- Rioting
- Unlawful assembly
- Obstruction of public servants
- Property damage
In one FIR, 11 people were arrested on charges of attempt to murder based on complaints from Richa Global Exports Pvt Ltd and Modelama Exports Pvt Ltd at the Sector 7 IMT Manesar police station. Subsequently, an additional seven to eight individuals were arrested and similarly charged. "The repressive attitude of the BJP government and the police towards workers, especially women, is highly condemnable," Singh asserted.
Ongoing Legal Proceedings
Last week, 44 people were arrested in connection with a second FIR filed by Modelama Exports, which accused 300-400 workers of pelting stones and vandalizing vehicles and property at the factory's Sector 4 unit. On Monday, six more individuals were arrested related to the violence. According to sources, 55 of those arrested were produced before a local court, which remanded 11 of them to 14 days of judicial custody.
Criticism of Labor Law Enforcement
Singh further criticized the government's handling of labor issues, stating, "Labour laws are not being enforced, and minimum wages have not been revised for the past six years. The government has shut its eyes to this reality." This statement underscores the unions' broader concerns about systemic neglect and the urgent need for policy reforms to protect workers' rights and ensure fair compensation in the face of economic challenges.
