SHILLONG/ Mawkyrwat: The Workers’ Power of Meghalaya, a federation of progressive trade unions and associations, and Thma U Rangli-Juki (TUR), celebrating International Workers’ Day alias May Day, organised a meeting on Wednesday of its affiliated Unions and Associations at Madan Iewrynghep, Laitumkhrah.
Various leaders of the unions and associations discussed the history and legacy of the workers’ movement all over the world and the various issues and policies that are affecting the workers of the state.
The meeting also discussed the 2nd Workers’ Convention organised by the federation to be held on Saturday at Meghalaya Bharat Scouts and Guides hall.
Meanwhile, the Meghalaya Joint Council of Trade Unions and Association held a workers’ rally at the CTO parking lot and Vivekananda road on Wednesday.
The workers’ rally demanded stoppage of disinvestment in the state and central PSU and extended support to BSNL employees in their ‘save BSNL save nation’ programme, and opposed the attack on science and scientific culture.
The workers’ rally expressed shock at Jet Airways’ temporary closure, thereby making more than 20,000 employees jobless and strongly demanded appropriate rehabilitation schemes for the distressed workers and employees. The rally also resolved to ask the state government to extend pension and other retirement benefits to the teachers of all government-aided schools and colleges.
‘International Labour Day’ was also observed at NEEPCO Corporate HQ in the city celebrated by the Trade Unions of NEEPCO along with different projects. All the four unions of NEEPCO participated in the celebration of ‘International Labour Day’ and paid tribute to those employees who laid down their life for the cause of working class. The unions raised the concern of outsourcing of various core sector employment and disinvestments of industries.
Meanwhile, in Mawkyrwat, the District Legal Services Authority, South West Khasi Hills District, on Wednesday observed May Day in Laitlawsang, focusing on the theme ‘Uniting Workers for Social and Economic Achievements’. The programme was organised with a view to create awareness as well as to remind one and all about the dignity and importance of labourers and their contribution towards the society and the economy of the state as a whole.
Speaking on the occasion, Additional Deputy Commissioner of the district, W Biam, highlighted the origination of the day and its importance and, also reminded the people about their roles and responsibilities and called upon for hard work, dedication and sincerity.
Extra Assistant Commissioner (Judicial) of the district, LK Diengdoh, while distributing signboards to para legal volunteers of the district, informed the gathering that Legal Aids Clinic and Support centres have been set up in the district with a view to provide legal services to those in need of legal aids and for those who could not afford. Therefore, he urged everyone to utilise these centres and avail such benefits.
Meanwhile, District Child Protection Officer, S Passah, dwelt at length on Child & Adolescence Labour Prohibition Act 2016 which prohibits engagement of children in all occupations and engagement of adolescents in hazardous occupations. He also called for support and cooperation from various quarters and urged them to lodge their complaints in the nearest police station if they detect child labour cases and adolescents engaged in hazardous occupations.
