Unions warn Centre of similar trouble

TIRUPATI: At a district-level convention held as a run up to the 14th general strike on February 28, trade unions leaders lashed at the Central government for adopting a pro-corporate and antiworkers’ polices here on Sunday.While CITU district secretary K Murali, AITU district president J Ramachandraiah went one step ahead and warned that Yanam-like situation would erupt, if the workers in the unorganised sector, would revolt and retaliate.The workers were frustrated over the continuous exploitation of labour, poor working conditions, spiralling prices and insecurity, they said.CITU district president Chaitanya said that all the national trade unions have joined together to intensify the struggle to force the Centre concede their 12 demands, for the benefit of the 45 crore workers.The workers have no job security nor any facilities like medical, pension, PF etc.while the working hours have also been increased for 10-to 12 hours.The countrywide general strike called by 11 major trade unions on February 28 will highlight the plight of employees.The trade unions have been demanding an amendment to the Minimum Wages Act, removal of ceiling on the eligibility of bonus and provident fund, assured pension for all employees, and scrapping of the contract labour system.‘Regency Management Colluded with Police’KADAPA: AITUC state secretary G Obulesu accused the Regency Ceramics management in Yanam of colluding with police and instigating them for indiscriminate firing against the workers agitating for their problems. Speaking to newsmen here on Sunday, he accused the management of suppressing the labour acts for the last 21 years.Instead of taking steps for solving their problems, the management resorted to attack on the workers with the help of police, he remarked. Demanding action against the Regency Ceramics management, Obulesu also wanted them to announce an ex gratia of `20 lakh to those injured in the police firing. He also sought a judicial enquiry into the incident