TN: CITU Padayatra Converged in Trichy, Held Massive Public Meeting
Image credit: CITU, Tamil Nadu
The Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) padayatra, which commenced on May 20 from seven corners across Tamil Nadu, converged in Trichy on Tuesday evening. The seven teams merged in Uzhavar Sandhai, Trichy and brought out a rally to the venue of the public meeting at Puthur.
Speaking at the public meeting, A Soundararajan, CITU Tamil Nadu president, said, “This massive rally has sent the message to union and state governments to not play with workers’ rights and emotions. It is like playing with fire.”
Opposing the oppressive neo-liberal policies of the union government to protect labour laws, demanding control on the exorbitant price-rise and urging for a minimum monthly wage of Rs 26,000, the trade union activists marched for 10 days, covering 2,100 kilometres through 35 districts.
They demanded the immediate repeal of the four laws that take away workers' rights, to withdraw the Motor Vehicle Amendment Act and the Electricity Amendment Act.
CITU general secretary Tapan Sen spoke about the plight of gig workers. Image: CITU, TN
Soundararajan said, “From Japan, Tamil Nadu chief minister Stalin welcomes the international capital. Bring investment, let employment grow, and let opportunities increase, but my question is, have any of these capitalists followed Indian law? Do they allow for the legal right to form trade unions?”
“The elected representatives make the laws. Rs 26,000 is the minimum wage for a family to stay without hunger, but is it followed anywhere? The rulers, who have to ensure the law is implemented, are indifferent and indirectly supporting the capitalists,” he added, mentioning the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) government’s recent attempt at increasing the working day from 8 hours.
He further said, “If this is the treatment that the top wrestlers in our country face, imagine the situation of common working women. How much trouble, torture and trauma they must face. Not going to work is not an option. The kitchen fire will not burn.”
Speaking at the public meeting, CITU vice president A K Padmanaban said, citing B T Ranadive, “We do not believe in unity for unity’s sake, but unity for struggle and unity to protect the rights of workers. Moreover, the duty to protest for historical change lies with the working class. And the job of uniting the working class towards the struggle for change is ensured by the CITU.”
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