BMS on warpath against BJP govt on fixed term jobs

Sangh-affiliated trade union Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS) is on a warpath with the BJP-led NDA government on labour issues by announcing a nationwide protest on September 6 against the rolling out of fixed-term contract jobs.

The BMS wants the government to withdraw notifications on fixed-term contract employment saying it only result in increasing the number of unemployed youth.

Emphasising that there is a need to stand up to face the "Himalayan Challenge" of making contract labour exploitation-free, the BMS will hold protests in all districts across the country. The BMS believes that the fixed-term employment will lead to the disappearance of permanent jobs.

The decision to go ahead with its protest plans was taken at the meeting of the BMS Central Working Committee in Kochi recently.

The government had announced extending fixed-term contract jobs to all sectors in the last Budget. All trade unions had then itself opposed it while the government went ahead to notify it on March 16.

BMS General Secretary Vrijesh Upadhyay said they want the government to immediately convene the meeting of Central Advisory Contract Labour Board (CACLB) to take steps to prevent "widespread exploitation" of contract labourers. Contract labourers should be ensured bonus, provident fund, ESI, pension, gratuity and other benefits.

According to the BMS, the trend of contract labour system has increased due to the elimination of permanent posts in private and public entities as well as state and central government departments. "Open violations of labour laws are increasing in the contract labour sector," it said.

BMS national president Saji Narayanan said there is no protection for labourers in the fixed-term employment or contract system. He said it was announced in the budget without any consultation with stakeholders.

“Giving legal status to fixed-term employment means it will affect the livelihood and employment of the workers,” he said.