Pics: Umesh Marpalli

Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (JD)

Udupi, Jun 2: District Beedi Workers Federation, a unit of Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU), staged a protest on Saturday, June 2 demanding minimum wages and dearness allowance for beedi workers.

Addressing the protesters, Balakrishna Shetty of CITU said, “Owners, workers and government representatives committee on April 1, 2018 had ordered a hike of Rs 220.52 for 1,000 beedis. But Bharath Beedi Works has not given wages according to the revised numbers.

“The company has withheld Rs 12.75 for each worker. The workers’ association had filed a writ plea against the order of the government withholding Rs 12.75. Even after the high court ordered that the decision of the government was unlawful, the company has not given the amount,” he said.

Members of six beedi workers association, which come under CITU took part in the protest held near Bharth Beedi Works branch here.

Mahabhala Vaderahobali, Umesh Kunder, Laxman K, Vishwanath Rai and others took part in the protest.