Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (BG)

Mangalore, Jun 13: A protest was held by the Dakshina Kannada Beedi Workers' Federation under the banner of All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC) here on Friday June 13, urging fulfilment of various demands.

The protestors, accompanied by activists and beedi workers marched from Shanthi Nilaya ground to the assistant commissioner's office at Bendoorwell circle, where they held the protest putting forth various demands before the labour commission

Addressing the protestors, P Sanjeev, the president of AITUC, DK district unit, said, "The government has ordered the beedi employers to pay Rs 21.15 as dearness allowance (DA) with effect from April 2014. But many of the employers have failed to follow this."

"The labour commission must consider this issue seriously and do the needful. It has been almost three months since April, but no action has been taken to implement the new DA structure. We have also handed over a memorandum to various beedi owners and other associations, but in vain. We will not stop our fight unless and until we get justice in this matter," he added.

"All the employers have been directed to pay off the pending dues, but they are still not doing it, and when questioned, they give excuses for not being able to pay the DA. The beedi workers are poor and face financial problems. They find it very difficult to lead a normal life; and their employers are only adding to their troubles. Hence, the labour commission must take strict action," he urged.

Accepting the memorandum from the protesters, assistant commissioner of labour commission, Nagesh said, "The government has ordered all the beedi employers to pay off the pending dues. But none of them have done that. I will ask the officers to carry out clear and transparent inspections and ensure that all the employers pay the pending dues. If they fail to do so, we will take strict action against them."

Leaders B Shekar, V S Berinje, V Kukyan, H V Rao, K V Bhat, D Henry Lobo, Saraswathi Kadeshwalya, Sulochana K, Shamitha S, M Shivappa Kotian, Chitrakshi, Gunavathi, Dayavathi, Roopa, Selimath, Sudhakar K, K Ishwar, Shantha Nayak, Shashikala Girsh and others were present.