CAF & PD labourers to continue stir until their demands met
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, August 02 2014 : Coordinating Body of Trade Union, Manipur has pledged to continue with various agitations until the government concedes to the demands of the labourers working at Sangaiprou Godown in Imphal.

In a press meet held at Irabat Bhavan here today, L.Sotinkumar, Chairman of Coordinating Body of Trade Union, Manipur stated that the Consumer Affairs, Food and Distribution (CAF&PD) Labour Welfare Association, Sangaiprou has been on strike since July 6 last demanding hike in wages for the labourers working at Sangaiprou godown.

Demand for increase of the wage which has long been fixed at only 75 paise for loading of a rice bag is quite reasonable, Sotinkumar asserted, while explaining that the present wage amount is too meager to manage their families, as the prices of commodities increases day by day.

Such a meager wage, which the labourers have long been enjoying to maintain their families, is never found anywhere, Sotinkumar continued.

Alleging the government has been adamant on the agitation of the labourers, he cited that a number of labourers have also undergone hunger strike and many of them have also been sent to jail.

In connection with the ongoing agitation, members of Coordinating Body of Trade Union Manipur along with representatives of labourers held talks with CAF & PD Minister M.Okendro on July 31 last, he recalled, while adding that the agitators demanded unconditional release of arrested strikers to which the Minister gave positive assurance to do the needful.

Although the strikers were released, the demands of the labourers have not been fulfilled, he lamented.

Announcing that various agitations will continue until the labourers' demands are met, Sotinkumar informed that a number of civil society bodies have conveyed their support to the agitation.

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