127th May Day observed in city
SHILLONG: The 127th year of May Day was observed on Sunday by workers and employees of government offices under the banner of Meghalaya Joint Council of Trade Unions and Associations (MJCTU &A) and took pledge to ensure equal rights for women.
The association demanded minimum statutory wage of Rs 15000 per month and an equal wage for similar jobs, regularization of casual workers in permanent jobs as well as speedy solutions to all pending cases of workers with Labour Department.
The association also demanded the withdrawal of Land Acquisition Bill.
In addition to May Day, the banking sector also observed anti-privatization day intended to oppose Central Government’s move to privatize banks.
Speaking to media persons, M. Chakraborty, vice-president of the association and also member of banks association have threatened more agitations if the Central Government does not heed their demands and cease the move to privatize banks.
He added that outsourcing should be stopped especially in the banking sectors as the Government has started the operation to privatize banks vigorously.
He added that the United Forum of Bank Employees Union will also stage protest.
“We are giving a strong message to the Government of India particularly the Finance Ministry that in case there is a move to privatize the banks, there will be agitational programmes and strike will follow,” Chakraborty said.
According to Chakraborty, they do not want the money to be utilized for the corporate sectors as banks were nationalized to help the poorer sectors.
At the gathering, the association members shouted slogans and N. Deb, member of All India Bank Officers Association, hoisted the Labour Day flag.
The meeting adopted a May Day declaration, 2016 pledging the commitment of the workers to extend international solidarity to the struggles of the labourers and for making the country safe for women and fighting for equal rights for women.
The struggle of the associations will continue and they resolved to fight against disinvestment of PSUs, FDI hike in defence, insurance and railways.
