CTUs, SKM slams worker repression; call for action
The Platform of Central Trade Unions (CTUs) and the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) on Tuesday issued a scathing joint statement strongly condemning the “brute repression” of workers agitating for wage revisions, an eight-hour workday, and legal entitlements.
The organisations highlighted a surge in spontaneous worker protests across industrial hubs like Baruani, Panipat, Surat, Manesar, and Noida. They alleged that while workers are demanding basic rights — including double overtime allowance, workplace safety, and social security — the Government has responded with lathi charges, mass arrests, and “illegal house arrests” of activists.
The joint body rejected the “false narrative” spread by authorities in Uttar Pradesh and the Centre, which attributed the unrest to “Urban Naxals” or foreign conspiracies. “The Government must own up to its criminal neglect of workers’ genuine demands,” the statement read. It further noted that minimum wages in several States have not been revised for over a decade despite soaring inflation.
Key demands raised include the unconditional release of arrested workers, the withdrawal of the “draconian” four labour codes, and the urgent convening of the Indian Labour Conference, which has been pending since 2015.
Turning to agrarian issues, the SKM accused the Centre of betraying farmers regarding MSP (C2+50%) and guaranteed procurement. They expressed grave concern over potential trade deals with the US and EU, describing them as detrimental to national sovereignty and the MSME sector.
The SKM has appealed to farmers to join May Day processions on May 1 to mark worker-peasant unity. A high-level joint meeting of CTUs and SKM leaders is scheduled for May 13 in New Delhi to formalise a future plan of action against the “corporate-driven policies” of the regime.
