The Odisha units of national trade unions on Wednesday claimed that Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has strongly backed the nation-wide strike on September 2 called by the central trade unions.
“During our meeting with the Chief Minister, he informed us that he strongly supports the strike against the anti-poor policy of the Central Government. We urge people from all walks of life to support the strike,” said INTUC State unit head Ramachandra Khuntia.
He said they would go ahead with strike even as the Central Government has now announced a 42-per cent hike in the minimum daily wage to `350.
“The Union Government’s minimum wage announcement is completely inadequate. The strike call stands, and we demand the Government enact a law to fix a minimum (universal) wage,” said Khunita.
The trade unions have been demanding fulfilment of a 12-point charter of demands, eight of them relating to labour issues. The trade unions have been demanding social security benefit to the unorganised sector (like Anganwadi, midday meal, Asha volunteers) also.