CPM and CITU Leaders Condemn Central Government Policies, Announce Nationwide Strike
In a strong condemnation of the central government's recent legislative actions, CPM state committee member K Yadav Shetty has accused the administration of implementing laws that endanger people's lives and livelihoods. Speaking after inaugurating a four-day protest march organized by CITU in Belthangady on Monday, Shetty highlighted specific concerns about four labour codes, the Seed Bill, and the Electricity (Amendment) Bill.
Government Accused of Undermining Rural Employment and Workers' Rights
Shetty emphasized that the government is also attempting to undermine the rural employment guarantee scheme, which serves as a crucial support system for rural livelihoods across the country. He stated that the central government's actions, by prioritizing corporate interests, have made life increasingly difficult for ordinary citizens.
"The government has nullified constitutionally guaranteed rights that were hard-won through decades of struggle," said BM Bhat, CITU Dakshina Kannada district president, who presided over the meeting. Bhat elaborated that these include fundamental rights such as the right to form unions, protest against injustice, demand fair wages, receive equal pay for equal work, and access rights to work and education.
Nationwide Strike Announced for February 12
In response to what they term as the central government's anti-farmer and anti-labour stance, Shetty announced that all central labour organizations are jointly organizing an all-India strike on February 12. This coordinated action aims to protest against policies that they believe disproportionately favor employers over workers.
Bhat further criticized the Modi government for repealing laws that were achieved through the sacrifices of workers and replacing them with codes that allegedly favor employers. "Our struggle will continue relentlessly until these harmful codes are repealed and our 29 annulled rights are fully restored," he declared, underscoring the determination of the labor movement.
Protest March to Culminate in Mangaluru
The ongoing protest march, which began in Belthangady, is scheduled to converge at Ambedkar Circle in Mangaluru on January 29. Participants from various locations including Moodbidri, Talapady, and Mulki are expected to join the procession, which will then proceed towards the Clock Tower in the city.
According to a CITU release, the subsequent public meeting will feature a keynote speech by CITU Karnataka state president Meenakshi Sundaram. This event marks a significant mobilization of labor unions against what they perceive as detrimental policies affecting farmers, workers, and citizens nationwide.
The leaders' statements reflect growing discontent among labor organizations regarding the government's legislative direction, setting the stage for heightened protests in the coming weeks.
