AITUC Accuses Govt, Pharma Companies of Neglecting Worker Rights on Labour Day

At a rally in Panaji, Goa today, on International Labour Day, Suhas Naik, the All India Trade Union Congress secretary, claimed that the government has given a “clear chit” to pharma firms regardless of unfair labour practices. He said that the government expects the workers not to protest and stand in front of the gates. This seems an injustice. He quoted, “Demonstration is the constitutional right of every worker.”

The AITUC came down heavily on pharmaceutical companies in Goa, the termination of workers and accused the government of siding with employers while suppressing labour rights.

Some companies in Verna force employees to work extremely long hours, even on Sundays. He condemned the government, the pathetic state of administration and the Labour Commissioner’s office works more like an Employer Commissioner’s office. The profit-consuming pharma companies are making their workers' chore without acceptable compensation outrageous and demanding a minimum hike of up to Rs. 1000 and Rs. 26000 monthly salary.

The rise in taxes and utility bills from GST to income tax and fuel tax added a lot of burden to the public. The tragedy of youngsters, leading them to unemployment, inflation, hunger and poverty make it all worse.

“If companies won’t follow Indian labour laws, they are not needed here,” Naik concluded with a call for fair living wages.