Photo Courtesy: tripuratimes
Agartala: CITU members hit the streets of Agartala today to demand bonuses and ex-gratia payments for workers before Durga Puja. The protest march started at the CITU office and ended at the Labour Commissioner’s office. A mass deputation was filed on the spot.
Former minister and CPI(M) leader Manik Dey joined senior union member Shankar Prasad Dutta for the rally. They represent workers from across various sectors. The group wants the Bonus Act enforced immediately. They demand at least 8.33 percent for covered employees and extra festival pay for everyone else.
Dey pointed to rising prices for sugar, pulses, and mustard oil. He noted that stagnant wages make it hard to buy basic goods. The ration system is failing. Many people cannot get the supplies they need to survive. Tea garden workers need a raise too. With production up, CITU wants 20 to 25 percent bonuses for them. Last year, many estates hit the 20 percent mark.
Dey slammed the central government over new labour codes. He called the rules anti-worker and threatened to ramp up the protests if they stay. He argued, “CITU would intensify its agitation if these anti-worker codes are not withdrawn.”
Agreements must finish 20 days before Puja. The Labour Department needs to keep watch. Any worker denied their money should report the incident to their union or the state officials immediately.
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