Trade unions to stage stir on January 8

Various trade unions have called for a two-day nationwide strike to protest against the anti-people policies of the Union government on January 8 and 9.

Supporting the nationwide strike, ANTUC, AITUC, HMS, AIUTUC, TUCC, and other labour organisations will stage a one-day protest in Chikkamagaluru on January 8, said United Plantation Workers Union general secretary K Gunashekar.

Speaking to reporters here on Monday, he said a preparatory meeting will be organised at Rotary Hall in Chikkamagaluru on December 16.

The trade unions will demand the fixing of minimum wages at Rs 18,000 per month and equal pay for equal work. The monthly pension amount should be increased to Rs 3,000. The interest of all unorganised labourers should be protected, he added.

He urged the government not to privatise the PSUs in the country and not to approve Road Transport and Safety Bill. He also said that the services of the anganwadi, Asha and mid-day meal workers should be regularised.