Following Samyukt Kisan Morcha’s (SKM) announcement of a rural strike on February 16, the Joint Platform of Central Trade Unions (CTUs) held a press conference on Wednesday, January 17, calling for an industrial strike on the same day. The protests are target at the “anti-worker”, “anti-farmer” and “anti-people” policies of the Central Government.
22 political parties have announced their support for the demands of the two organizations. Further, the leaders of SKM AND CTUs said that they will hold processions at various public offices of the Central Government and also block major railway and roadway routes.
Deployment of Construction Workers in Israel
The two organizations have heavily criticized the Government’s decision to send construction workers to Israel, violating their safety and security, in favor of the former’s political interests. They further called the move an outright defiance of emigration laws which prohibit workers from being sent to war-torn zones. Tapan Sen, general secretary of CITU (Centre of Indian Trade Unions), said that the decision to support Israel’s genocidal war against Palestine is also a violation of India’s foreign policy which recognizes Palestine as an independent, sovereign nation.
Demands of the Joint Forum
The joint forum of CTUs and SKM have listed a series of demands which are aimed at safeguarding the interests of workers and agricultural laborers. Some of these demands include, repealing four labor codes, monthly minimum wage of Rs 26,000 for workers, higher minimum support prices for crops and recognition of guaranteed employment as a fundamental right.
The forum is also backing the “tractor parade” of SKM, set to be held on January 26, 2024.
