JAC leaders oppose termination of contract workers in Visakhapatnam Steel Plant
Demanding an immediate halt to the termination of contract workers in Visakhapatnam Steel Plant (VSP), Public Sector Undertakings All Party Trade Unions JAC chairman M. Jaggunaidu said that the State government should come out with its stand on the issue, and also withdraw the State police from the plant.
At a meeting organised here on Tuesday, to express solidarity with the striking steel workers, the JAC leaders condemned the 'illegal' termination of contract workers in the VSP. They also sought lifting of the 'illegal' suspensions of trade union leaders, withdrawal of show cause notices, solving the problems of permanent employees and payment of salary arrears.
CITU district general secretary R.K.S.V. Kumar said that the proposed all India general strike from Tuesday(May 20) was deferred to July 9 in view of the post-war scenario in the country. The contract workers of VSP have, however, commenced an indefinite strike from Tuesday. The demands include abolition of Labour Codes, allocation of captive mines to VSP and merging the plant with Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL).
The speakers found fault with the NDA leaders in the State for failing to impress upon the Union government to revoke its decision on strategic sale of VSP. The TDP and JSP leaders, who had promised to protect the VSP before the elections, had failed to question the 'illegal' termination of 5,400 contract workers, they alleged. The deployment of State police in the plant premises, as never before, indicates that the State government was supporting the moves of the Centre, the speakers alleged.
AITUC district president M. Manmadha Rao, IFTU State secretary M. Venkateswarlu, CFTUI national president Kanaka Rao were among those who spoke at the solidarity meeting held near the RTC Complex.
All India strike on July 9
The JAC also extended its support to the 'Thalli Bidda Express' workers, who staged a protest seeking solution to their problems. They also demanded justice to the scheme workers like ASHA workers, Anganwadi and Midday Meal schemes, and payment of ₹9,000 as minimum persion to EPS pensioners. They appealed to all sections of the people to make the proposed all India strike on July 9, a success.
CITU leaders P. Mani, M. Subba Rao, Venkata Rao, V. Krishna Rao, Pydiraju and AITUC leaders Rahaman and Kasubabu were among those who participated.
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