JOIN USUnorganised workers staged a protest demanding minimum wages, employment guarantee and placed other demands in front of the office of the assistant commissioner in Chikkaballapur, on Tuesday.
The protesters were led by Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU).
The protest rally which started from the Shidlaghatta Circle passed through main streets and reached the office of the assistant commissioner.
The protesters demanded that justice be given to workers in the unorganised sector.
No security
Talking to protesters B N Munikrishnappa, CITU district unit honorary president, said: “ Workers in the unorganised sector lack social security.
They are made to work for long hours for low pay. Moreover, they lack job security, thus, making their position vulnerable.”
Although unorganised workers are caught in a vicious cycle of want and exploitation, the State government has remained a mute spectator, he added.
Also speaking on the occasion CITU district unit president Siddagangappa said: “ A salary of Rs 10,000 should be fixed for Anganwadi, Asha workers, Akshara Dasoha and Grama Panchayat members.”
Also, they should be provided with pension, bonus, Provident Fund, Gratuity and other facilities that are due to workers in the organised sector.
The Social Security Board should be provided with resources to ensure pension and other benefits to unorganised workers, he added.
Govts have failed
Both the Union and State governments have failed in addressing issues affecting unorganised workers, said members of CITU, Karnataka State Akshara Dasoha Employees’ Association, Karnataka State Anganwadi Employees’ Association.
Protesters raised slogans in front of the taluk office demanding fulfillment of their various demands.
Addressing unorganised workers, CITU district convener Y R Venkatesh Babu said: “ Workers in the unorganised sector should get minimum wages, PF, gratuity and other benefits on par with those in the organised sector. Also, provision of three months of maternity leave should be made compulsory.”
Exploitation of unorganised workers should be checked at all levels, he added.