A State-level convention and preparatory meeting of seven trade unions — BMS, INTUC, AITUC, HMS, CITU, AIUTUC and AICCTU on Wednesday chalked out modalities here to make the demonstration and Satyagraha in Bhubaneswar on September 25 a success.
The unions have threatened to stage a joint demonstration before the State Assembly on September 25, demanding fufilment of a 10-point charter of demands. They would also follow up with a State-wide agitation on December 12.
“On August 6, the national convention of workers held in New Delhi expressed serious concern and anguish over continuing indifference and inaction of the Union Government towards vital livelihood-related demands presented before it by a united platform of trade unions and pursued it through numerous agitations including strikes during last three years, but in vain,” said BMS activist Muktikant Satapathy.
The convention also conveyed its extreme sense of anger and anxiety at the utter lack of concern demonstrated by the Government towards the crores of workers and the common people.
Hence, the national convention decided to hold agitation and Satyagraha in protest against the Government’s apathy, said INTUC leader Kishore Jena.
The trade unions have been demanding minimum wage of not less than `10,000, universal social security cover for all workers, assured pension for the entire working population, same wage and benefits for contract workers as regular workers for same and similar work, strict implementation of labour laws, concrete measures to contain price rise and generate employment, stoppage of disinvestment in Central and State PSUs, removal of all ceilings on payment and eligibility of bonus, and provident fund; increase in the quantum of gratuity and compulsory registration of trade unions within a period of 45 days of application.