Imphal, July 10 NNN : In Manipur, the All India Trade Union Congress, Manipur Branch today observed the all India “Protest Day” which was also organized in other parts of the country under the aegis of All India Trade Union (AITU).
As part of the nationwide protest, members of AITU, Manipur branch took out a rally starting from Irawat Bhawan but they were blocked by police midway at Bt Road.
Later, the AITU, Manipur branch organized a press meet at the Manipur Press Club where L Sotinkumar, secretary of AITU, Manipur branch condemned the police action.
He said the state trade policy has totally failed and as a result of this even “Wangkhei Phee,” the finest Manipuri shawl has been replaced by clothes coming from Moreh town.
Although the state government had recently announced to open Kwairamband markets till 9 pm every day, it has not paid attention towards the meager wages of all the salespersons, Sotinkumar accused.
Citing the big difference in the salaries of the government employees and private employees working in both organized and unorganized sectors, Sotinkumar expressed his desire to expand the MNREGS to urban areas.
The demands of AITU include a special policy for curbing price rise in the country, a ban on recruitment on contract system, a rupees ten thousand monthly salary arrangement for labouers in unorganized sectors, making all the workers of Angawadi, ASHA and Mid-day Meal par with government employees, withdrawal of policy of investment in profit making public sector undertakings, etc.
Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/trade-union-protest-day/
