INTUC leader and former MP Ramachandra Khuntia here on Thursday strongly protested the Central Government’s move to amend a host of labour laws as it would create adverse impact on the labour class of the country.
Briefing reporters here, Khuntia said the Narendra Modi Government’s pro-industrialist attitude would sideline the interests of labourers due to amendment of the laws. Crorers of labourers would be affected by the decision.
He criticised the Centre for taking an anti-labour move to appease the industrialists. “I request all the trade union organisations in the country to fight against the move,” he said.
Reiterating his previous demand, Khuntia said that the retirement age of employees working in private sectors needs to be hiked to 60 years like Government employees. Similarly, the retirement age of group D employees needs to be hiked to 62, he added.
The trade unionist expressed grave concern over the Government’s lackadaisical attitude to hike minimum monthly wage to Rs 15,000. He also demanded identity cards for unorganised labourers engaged in the agriculture, forest and other sectors. “If the Government does not take appropriate action in time, we will take the issue to the streets,” said Khuntia.