Pics: Umesh Marpalli

Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi(HB/EP)

Udupi, Nov 24: Members of Center of Indian Trade unions protested today, Nov 23 near Udupi clock urging for resignation of minister of labour P T Parameshwar. CITU in its recent state committee meeting had held serious detailed discussions regarding the policy of state government and the anti-labour steps taken by the minister.

“The situation of the employed deteriorates as the days pass by putting them to hardship”, they said. The meeting has condemned the anti-labour actions taken by the labour minister P T Parameshwar Naik.

“Instead of legally implementing the minimum wages act to the employees, the actions are a betrayal to the labour class. A circular is sent by the minister that the dearness allowance that had to be justifiably paid to the beedi workers need not be paid. The 2014 consumer index has gone up by 425 points. Therefore beedi workers are entitled for additional 12.75 paise for 1,000 beedies at the rate of 3 paise for 425 points. If they roll at the rate of 1000 beedies per day, they are entitled for an additional payment of Rs 382.50. But the minister after collusion with the Beedi company owners has sent circular that dearness allowance need not be paid”, they said.

Balakrishna, chief secretary speaking on the occasion said that ten lacs beedi workers from 23 districts are working in the state and company owners have become rich by depriving employees their rights.“With it the company owners are earning at least Rs 200 crores of profit per year. They are utilizing our money for foreign travels.They are roaming from one country to other by hitting on the stomachs of the workers. The minister of labour is not in favour of labour class but in favour of beedi company owners”, he said expressing his anguish.