As part of the state-wide protests against the growing number of incidents of flouting labour laws in Uttar Pradesh, AICCTU organized a one-day dharna in front of the office of the Deputy Labour Commissioner in Kanpur. Addressing the dharna, AICCTU State President Com. Hari Singh said that the State government has been unable to implement labour laws and the factory owners are openly flouting these laws. Illegal lay-offs are being carried out in LML since 2007 and 25% lay-off arrears have not been paid, causing a situation of starvation for the workers. It is the government’s responsibility to end illegal lay-offs and ensure employment for the workers. Tanneries are being closed in the name of pollution. It is the responsibility of the State government, in co-ordination with the Centre, to find a solution for pollution so that workers can continue to earn their livelihood.
Addressing the dharna, AICCTU city President Com. Umesh Tiwari said that nowhere in Kanpur are labour laws being followed. Neither are pay-slips being given, nor are workers made members of ESI. Moreover, they are not even being given gate passes, and if they ask for bonus, they are shown the door out.
Addressing the dharna, CPI (ML) leader Com. Vijay Kumar said that the Modi government is trying to change the labour laws to suit the interests of corporate houses. The 2nd September countrywide strike showed that not only workers but also students, youth, and farmers are gradually standing up against the governments at the Centre and the State. He appealed to the workers to build a pervasive unity in order to fight effectively against capitalist attack on the one hand and communal frenzy on the other.
Addressing the dharna, the AICCTU city Secretary appealed to all workers in Kanpur to form a grand unity and build up the organization. He pointed out and condemned the irregularities and corruption in the construction sector and demanded that registration of workers is done by going to the workers’ areas. The dharna was presided over by Com. Anant Ram Vajpayee and conducted by Com. MS Zaidi. Comrades Rana Pratap Singh, Netram, Ajay Singh, Manoj Singh, CPI (ML) media in-charge Com. Asit Kumar Singh, zilla mantri Ram Asre and others also addressed the dharna.
