FOCS calls for upholding workers' rights
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, April 30 2024: Federation of Civil Society Organisations (FOCS), Manipur has extended greetings to the people on the occasion of International Workers' Day while calling upon all concerned to uphold the rights and dignity of the working class.

Pointing out that workers are the backbone of the society and its economy, FOCS opined that despite observance of International Workers' Day, also referred to May Day, every year by various organisations and institutions, the society is still witnessing low wages, gender discrimination in payment of wages, subjugation of workers and exploitation of workers, mainly in private sectors.

Low waged workers are often subjected to suppression of their voices as they face the possibility of job loss for raising their voice against low wages.

While noting that there are tens of thousands of families, who are managing to run their families with a meagre monthly income, a FOCS release stressed that such a situation, coupled with unemployment, often prompt youth to choose anti-social path and also cause brain drain as educated youth opt to sear.ch of livelihood in other parts of the world.

Unemployment rate is high in the state with over 8 lakh educated youths remaining unemployed.

Taking advantage of the situation, some capitalists who run private Sector institutions, especially in health and education sectors, are exploiting the youth with low wages in the name of providing employment.

On the other hand, the ethnic conflict in the state that began from May last year, has plunged the state and its people into a deep financial crisis.

Many people have lost their jobs and livelihood means.

As an impact of the crisis, the number of sex workers is increasing in the state, the statement said while adding that the organisation will work towards ensuring the rights of the working class.

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