Beedi workers stage protest

Beedi company owners have refused to implement government’s order on paying Rs 210 for rolling 1,000 beedis, CITU leader V J K Nair said, on Tuesday.

He was addressing the gathering after inaugurating an indefinite protest being staged by beedi workers in front of Bharat beedi works office near C V Nayak hall, demanding minimum wages.

The dearness allowance for 1,000 beedis was increased to Rs 12.75 with effect from April 1, 2015. But the arrears had not been paid so far. Leader Vijay Bhaskar said the beedi workers will withdraw the indefinite agitation as the beedi owners have filed a case against the government order in High court. However, the dharna will continue.

CITU leaders J Balakrishna Shetty, Vasanth Achary, U B Lokaiah, AITUC leader Seetarama Berinja, leaders Rohini, Krishnappa Salian, Ramani, Jayanti B Shetty, Robert D’Souza and Nonaiah Gowda were present among others at the protest.