Need for strengthening Trade Unions for societal change stressed
Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, September 04 2012:
Under the aegis of Coordinating Body of Trade Unions Manipur, a convention of the Trade Unions was held at Rupmahal Theatre here today.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr M Nara, President of All India Trade Union Council, Manipur state, said that in order to bring about a change in the society, the Trade Unions need to be strengthened.
When there is any increase in the price of essential commodities, it is the general public who suffer the worst.
So, there is the need to take up democratic agitations against arbitrary hike in the price of essential commodities, he exhorted.
Laishram Sotinkumar, Chairman of Coordinating Body of Trade Unions Manipur, recalled that Trade Unions successfully launched a nationwide strike on February 28 last.
Nonetheless, until the demands are met, the Trade Unions would continue to carry out all sorts of intense agitations.
He noted that the monthly salaries of media persons, VDF, Home guards and others employed in unorganized sectors are much lesser in comparison to the nature and quantum of the works performed by them.
They should be given not less than Rs 10,000 on a monthly basis to sustain their livelihood, Sotinkumar suggested.
Kshetrimayum Shanta, Convener, Coordinating Body of Trade Unions Manipur observed that the demands of Trade Unions include punishment of all those involved looting the State's properties and public fund; recovery of all black money stashed in banks outside the country by the government; to provide rice at Rs 2 per Kg to every poor family, giving equal benefits to contractual workers and regular workers etc.
The convention was also attended by Sarat Salam, leader of Centre of Indian Trade Union, Manipur; Khomdram Gyaneshwar, leader of Trade Union Central Council, Manipur; Manglem, President of Trade Union Central Council, Manipur; Bhupendra Ghosh, President of All Manipur Road Transport Motor Workers Union; Okram Thoibi, President of All Manipur ASHA Workers' Union; Thokchom Achouba, President of AITUC, Thoubal District and Th Yaiskul, President of AITUC, Imphal East district as presidium members.