Workers rally against 10-hour workday move in Yemmiganur

Andhra Pradesh: Trade unions including CITU and IFTU organized a large protest rally in Yemmiganur, strongly opposing the Andhra Pradesh coalition government’s decision to extend the working day from eight to ten hours. Workers and union leaders condemned the move as anti-labour and corporatized, demanding an immediate rollback of the decision.

Protest against extended work hours

In a united show of dissent, workers under the banners of CITU, IFTU, and affiliated organizations took to the streets in Yemmiganur, denouncing the government’s recent approval of a 10-hour workday. The protesters marched through the town before submitting a memorandum to the Mandal Revenue Officer (MRO).

“Hard-fought rights are being undone”

Addressing the rally, CITU President, Secretaries P Govindu and B Ramudu, IFTU Taluka Secretary S Balaraju, KK Anif, and AIKMS leaders M Sattanna and B. Yesepu, recalled that the 8-hour workday was a historic right earned through the blood and sacrifice of workers during British rule in 1886. They warned that the current decision rolls back over a century of progress.

Criticism of Central and State governments

The leaders accused the Central government of undermining labour rights by merging 44 existing labor laws into just 29 and attempting to push four new labour codes during the COVID-19 pandemic to favour corporate interests. They criticized the Andhra Pradesh coalition government, led by CM Chandrababu Naidu, for unilaterally introducing the 10-hour workday without any public mandate.

Betrayal of manifesto promises

Union representatives highlighted that the extension of work hours was not mentioned in the ruling alliance’s election manifesto. “This government is betraying its promises and siding with big corporate houses at the expense of workers,” the leaders said. “Such cabinet decisions are a direct attack on the working class.”

Gender-specific concerns

Raising concerns about the impact on women, the unions slammed the government for allowing night shifts for women workers under the guise of women empowerment. “This is a dangerous and regressive step that exposes women to exploitation and insecurity,” they warned.

Call for immediate rollback

The unions demanded the immediate withdrawal of the 10-hour workday proposal and reinstatement of the 8-hour labor law. “If the government fails to listen, we will organize stronger, widespread protests to protect workers’ rights,” the leaders declared.

Petition submitted, public support grows

Following the rally, a delegation of union leaders submitted a formal petition to the Yemmiganur MRO. Several other local associations and activists including J Nagaraju, Kesanna, Praveen, Javid, Muneppa, B Yesepu, Jayanna, Ramachandra, Neelkantha, Ramanna, Madanna, Raghavendra, and Naganna joined the protest, reflecting growing public support against the proposed labour law amendments.