Mangaluru Labor Tragedy: Unions Demand Rs 25 Lakh Compensation for Worker Killed by Falling Streetlight Pole
In a tragic incident at the old fishing port in Mangaluru, a worker named Murugan from Tamil Nadu was killed on the spot when a rusted streetlight pole collapsed on him while he was working. The Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) and the Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) have now launched a strong demand for justice, calling for Rs 25 lakh in compensation for Murugan's family and strict action against those responsible for the fatal negligence.
Unions Highlight Systemic Neglect and Poor Working Conditions
Sunil Kumar Bajal, the CITU Dakshina Kannada district general secretary, pointed out the shocking lack of basic facilities in the fishing port area, where daily transactions worth crores of rupees occur. He accused the fisheries department and district administration of gross negligence, emphasizing that this incident underscores a broader disregard for worker safety.
"Murugan's death was entirely preventable," Bajal stated. "While working in the fishing dock, he was struck by a rusty streetlight pole that should have been maintained. We demand immediate compensation of Rs 25 lakh for his family, along with legal action against the officials and contractors at fault."
Bajal revealed that CITU and DYFI had already organized a protest shortly after the incident to draw attention to the plight of workers. He lamented that thousands of laborers, who have been instrumental in driving the district's economic activities for years, continue to work without adequate protection or social security benefits.
Port Area Lacks Essential Amenities and Safety Measures
The unions detailed a litany of issues plaguing the fishing port:
- No restrooms, toilets, or clean drinking water facilities, particularly for female workers.
- Inadequate safety measures, with hazardous infrastructure like the rusted pole posing constant risks.
- Poor drainage systems leading to unsanitary conditions and operational inefficiencies.
- Lack of proper parking, causing daily traffic jams and wasting valuable time for workers and vehicles.
BK Imthiyaz, the DYFI district president, echoed these concerns, alleging severe neglect by the district administration. He highlighted the significant contributions of Tamil Nadu workers to Mangaluru's economy and criticized the authorities for failing to ensure their well-being.
"Despite collecting substantial fees from vehicles entering the port for years, there has been no investment in basic infrastructure," Imthiyaz asserted. "The area is in a deplorable state, and Murugan's death is a direct result of this negligence. We demand that the district administration announce the Rs 25 lakh compensation within a week, or face intensified protests."
Call for Immediate Action and Justice
The unions have set a clear ultimatum: if the compensation demand is not met promptly, they will escalate their protests to ensure accountability. They stress that this case is not isolated but symptomatic of a larger pattern of ignoring worker safety in industrial zones.
As of now, even a week after the fatal incident, no officials have visited the site to assess the conditions or offer condolences to the affected family. This absence has further fueled outrage among labor groups, who vow to continue their fight for justice and improved working standards in Mangaluru's vital port areas.
