Trade union organisations celebrate May Day; decry ‘anti-worker policies’ of the government 

Members of various trade unions taking out a rally in Mysuru to mark May Day on Thursday.
| Photo Credit: M.A. SRIRAM

Trade union organisations in Mysuru and workers from various public and private sector enterprises celebrated May Day in the city on Thursday, expressing concern over the erosion of their rights and the imperatives of strengthening the workers’ movement.

A procession was also taken out through the main thoroughfares of the city, and members of the All India United Trade Union Centre, CITU, AITUC, etc., took part in it. The trade union organisations said that both the Centre and the State were pursuing “anti-worker policies” and were favouring the capitalists.

The trade union organisations said that May Day was held to celebrate the success achieved by the workers through decades of struggle, which ensured eight hours of work a day. But it is a matter of concern that this was sought to be replaced by 12 hours of works, according to trade unions.

The organisations wanted the government to repeal the four labour codes – the code of wages, the industrial relations code, the occupational safety and health working conditions code, and the code on social security. They said these codes were detrimental to the rights and security of the working class.

The State government also came under flak for not increasing the minimum wages, and they said that the living conditions of the working class were declining amidst an increase in prices of essential commodities.

It was also decided to support the nationwide strike called by various trade union organisations on May 25 and make it a success.