Trade union activists and leaders took out a May Day rally in Dharwad on Friday, marking the 140th International Labour Day. The district unit of the All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC) organized a workers' rally from Kadapa Maidan, followed by a public meeting.
AITUC Criticizes Dilution of Labour Protections
Addressing the gathering, AITUC district president Gangadhar Badiger alleged that the weakening of labour movements had emboldened large corporate houses to dilute labour protections in the pursuit of higher profits. 'Instead of following the stipulated 48-hour work week, some corporate leaders are now advocating work schedules ranging from 72 to 90 hours,' he said.
He criticised the Union government's four labour codes, introduced in the name of creating a business-friendly environment, alleging that they had effectively diluted 29 pro-worker laws. Permanent employment, he said, was increasingly being replaced by fixed-term contracts, while democratic rights and trade union activities were being curtailed.
Denial of Basic Entitlements
Badiger further alleged that contract and outsourced workers are being denied basic entitlements such as minimum wages, provident fund (PF), Employees' State Insurance (ESI), leave benefits and job security. He pointed out that minimum wages, which are to be revised every five years, have not been updated for over eight years despite rising inflation.
He also highlighted the condition of scheme workers, including ASHAs, anganwadi workers and midday meal staff, stating that they are neither recognised as government employees nor formally acknowledged as workers, despite their crucial role in health care and child welfare.
Call for Unity and Resistance
Noting that resistance to what he termed anti-worker policies is growing across the country, Badiger said the spirit of May Day should strengthen ongoing labour struggles.
Presiding over the meeting, Bhuvana Ballari said May Day should not be reduced to a ritual but must serve as a reminder to intensify the fight against erosion of labour rights and pro-corporate policies. She underscored the importance of worker unity and cautioned against attempts to divide workers along caste, religion, language or regional lines.
