AITUC's Kaur calls for mass mobilisation to safeguard workers' rights, alleges labour law dilution

Amarjeet Kaur, general secretary of the All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC), on Sunday urged workers and toiling sections to launch a sustained movement to protect their rights. Speaking at a public meeting at Circus Grounds in Karimnagar, Telangana, on the inaugural day of the AITUC's three-day 4th State conference, she alleged that policies of the BJP-led government at the Centre were undermining the interests of workers, farmers and youth.

Kaur said workers, farmers and youth are facing several challenges, particularly in employment, education and livelihood. She pointed to the recent student agitation at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi as a reflection of growing anxiety among the youth over the lack of quality public education and employment opportunities.

She further alleged that the government was weakening labour laws and favouring a select group of corporate houses at the expense of workers' interests. She called for mass mobilisation and sustained struggles to defend what she called the hard-won rights of the working class. She also stressed the need to safeguard the interests of farmers, women, youth and other sections, besides protecting constitutional values and the country's secular fabric.

The conference, which will continue for three days, is expected to deliberate on issues confronting the working class and evolve strategies for collective action. Earlier in the day, workers including daily-wage labourers and farm workers took out a rally in the town under the aegis of the AITUC to mark the commencement of the conference.

CPI State secretary and Kothagudem MLA Kunamneni Sambasiva Rao and other leaders also addressed the gathering. The AITUC is one of the central trade union federations in India, affiliated with the Communist Party of India (CPI). The conference in Karimnagar is being held at a time when several central trade unions have been protesting against labour law changes and privatisation measures.