Trade union leaders call for unity, preparedness to safeguard labour rights

Leaders of the All India United Trade Union Centre (AIUTUC) have called on the working class to strengthen trade union unity and prepare for larger struggles to protect labour rights, which they say are under increasing attack. The appeal was made on Sunday, August 2, during the inaugural session of the Fifth Ballari District Conference of AIUTUC, held at Gandhi Bhavan Indoor Stadium.

Speaking at the event, AIUTUC State president K. Somashekhar alleged that the capitalist system, faced with an unresolved crisis, had intensified its offensive against workers. He claimed that both the Union and State governments were diluting labour protections in the interest of employers' profits. Referring to the Labour Codes introduced by the Centre, he said they had been implemented despite widespread opposition from workers. He also alleged that although the Karnataka government had issued a notification enhancing minimum wages, it was reconsidering its implementation under pressure from employers.

Instead of addressing the hardships caused by rising prices, governments were aggravating the difficulties faced by workers, Mr. Somashekhar said. He added that the country could witness intensified workers' movements similar to the recent nation-wide agitations by students and youth. "We must prepare ourselves for such struggles," he said.

Earlier, a procession of workers was taken out from Narayana Rao Park to Gandhi Bhavan before the commencement of the conference. The event saw participation from representatives of unions from various sectors, including NMDC, mining, Gescom, KPTCL, sponge iron industries, Ballari Medical College, hostels, and ASHAs.

Inaugurating the delegates' session, Radhakrishna Upadhya, district secretary of the SUCI (Communist) party, criticised the policies of the Union government and alleged that protests by students and youth had been suppressed through the use of force. He said workers should draw inspiration from such movements, unite under the banner of AIUTUC, and strengthen the labour movement.

AIUTUC state secretary K. Somashekhar Yadagiri said the organisation drew strength from the ideals of Marxist thinker and labour leader Shibdas Ghosh. He urged office-bearers and activists to expand and strengthen the organisation to build a stronger workers' movement across the State.

The delegates' session later adopted various resolutions relating to workers' issues and elected a new district committee. A. Devadas was elected district president, Pramod N. as district secretary, Somashekhar Gowda, Geetha and Kiran as vice-presidents, and Suresh G. as office secretary. A 74-member District Council was also constituted.

AIUTUC district secretary Pramod N. delivered the introductory address, while district president A. Devadas presided over the conference. AIUTUC leaders Somashekhar Gowda, Shantha, and Suresh were among those who led the proceedings.

The conference comes at a time when labour codes and minimum wage implementation have been contentious issues, with trade unions expressing concerns over potential impacts on workers' rights. The leaders' statements reflect a call for organised action to address these concerns.