'Labour forces help build nation'

Labourers told to fight for justice

Additional commissioner (retd) for the department of labour G T Jinkalappa on Friday hailed the role of labour forces behind the development of a country.

Addressing the gathering during the May Day celebrations organised by the Federation of Karnataka State Government Daily Wagers and Honorarium Workers Associations here, Jinkalappa said, however it is not fair on the part of a few vested interests who have been denying minimum facilities to the labourers.

However, the labourers, in such cases should fight for their cause, advised Jinkalappa.

Recalling his decision to provide gratuity benefit to the daily wagers, a first ever decision made in 1990, Jinkalappa said ‘When a factory management moved court against the order, the court upheld the decision’. 

Said Jinkalappa: “When I recollect the decision, a feeling arises that I should have taken a further better and progressive decision”.

Jinkalappa said, the government has been introducing many labour friendly laws bringing in improvement in the life of many labourers. More reforms are expected in the future. 

District Cooperative Union President H V Rajiv said ‘contract system that was believed to be temporary is here to stay for long as a permanent system’.

Rajiv attributed it to the profit oriented mindset among both private and public sectors resulting in increase in recruitments  on outsource basis or contract system. However many such labourers are being deprived of many benefits, lamented Rajiv.