Ten trade unions call protest against government

Ten central trade unions have called a three-day protest demonstration in Delhi beginning Thursday against, what they termed, the government’s anti-worker policies.

The unions have threatened to escalate the protest to a nationwide indefinite strike if the government continues to ignore their demands.

RSS-backed Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh, however, stayed away from the joint platform of unions where the decision to call the protest was taken.

“This ‘mahapadav’ is a step towards preparation for the next higher phase of united struggles, including indefinite countrywide strike action, if the government continues to ignore the demands of the workers and proceed with its pro-corporate agenda,” the central trade unions said on Wednesday.

The NDA government set up a group of ministers, headed by finance minister Arun Jaitley, in 2015 to look into the 12-point charter of demands.

“The government’s response to the 12-point charter of demands remains virtually negative on all counts at a meeting on Tuesday and reflect their bias against the interests of the mass of working people,” the unions said.