IFTU demands rollback of 13-hour work schedule nationwide
By Doruvu Paul Jagan Babu: Assistant Chief Editor
Emmiganur – Andhra Pradesh: IFTU district leaders staged a dharna in front of the Emmiganur Tahsildar’s office on Monday, demanding the cancellation of the 13-hour work schedule introduced by the central government and continuation of the Building Construction Workers Welfare Board in its original form.
Protest against extended working hours
Addressing the protest, IFTU District leader S Balaraju criticized the central government’s move to introduce a 13-hour work schedule, calling it exploitative and against workers’ rights. He urged that the existing 8-hour schedule be retained to protect the health and well-being of construction workers across the country.
Demand to protect welfare board funds
Balaraju alleged that the coalition government’s attempt to divert the Building Construction Welfare Board funds is unjust and detrimental to the welfare of workers who have fought for years to secure these benefits. He emphasized that the Board must continue to function as usual for the benefit of the labour community.
Key welfare demands raised
The leaders demanded that an ex-gratia of Rs 10 lakh be provided to families of construction workers who die in accidents, whether or not they are registered with the Welfare Board. They also sought Rs 6 lakh compensation for natural deaths and Rs 50,000 maternity allowance for women workers.
Further, they urged that the Board ensure:
Free medical treatment for workers and their families through welfare cards.
Free education from KG to PG for workers’ children, following the Bihar model.
A monthly pension for workers aged 50 years and above.
Petition submitted to officials
Following the dharna, the protestors submitted a petition outlining their demands to Deputy Tahsildar Jyoti, urging swift government action to address their grievances.
CPI(ML) New Democracy District leader M Sathyana, IFTU district leaders Babu, Mallikarju, Veeresh, Veera Reddy, Rajendra, Bajarappa, Rupesh, Hari, Somappa, and Upendra participated in the demonstration.
