Covid crisis: Trade unions write to PM, seek financial support for needy households

The ten central trade unions, barring the RSS-affiliate Bhartiya Mazdoor Sangh, have jointly written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi urging him a cash benefit of Rs 7,500 per month for every non-income tax paying household for three months to tide over the economic crisis that have left many people jobless since the 40-day lockdown started on March 25.

Besides, the unions have urged government provide free ration to all working population who have lost their jobs during this period irrespective of the ration card while providing wage payment subsidy to MSMEs for at least three months to help them sustain their employees. "MSME sector is in real difficulties and need to be supported," the 10 unions said in their petition.

The 10 central trade unions that have jointly submitted the petition include the INTUC, AITUC, HMS, CITU, TUCC, SEWA, AICCTU, LPF, AIUTUC and UTUC.


"There is urgent need for cash support also for the working people for their survival related requirements and have been urging for about Rs.7500/- per month to be transferred to all the needy(non income tax paying) households for a period of three months at least ," it said.

The unions have further requested PM to ensure that migrant workers are not charged anything for being transported by the government.

"We urge upon you to appropriately intervene and ensure for return of migrant workers to home without charging any fares from them in trains and the public transport in roadways," it said, adding these workers are already in distress and they should not be pushed into further miseries.

Unions also urged government to immediately cancel all unnecessary projects such as “New Parliament Complex” and provisions made for NPR so that funds are available where needed urgently.