Trade unions have emphasised the need to promptly resolve demands without engaging in further struggles to prevent workers from being drawn into another battle. Currently, negotiations on the next round of dialogue have been scheduled for the 21st.
The demands include providing financial benefits to workers who have received relief under the old retirement scheme, offering relief benefits promptly to workers who have been laid off, and addressing the demands of the six points put forward by the unions. On December 19th, following the suspension of work, notices were given to 16 unions, including CITU, AITUC, INTUC, BMS, AIDUC, and HMS.
In response to the ongoing agitation, a case has been filed in the Madras High Court against it. During the court proceedings, it was not argued that workers have no right to protest, but the question was raised: Is this agitation necessary during the Pongal festival? In response to this, unions announced that a discussion regarding workers’ demands will be held on February 7th (today).
Among the participants invited for this discussion are CITU and AITUC. However, the unions have pointed out that there has been no dialogue in this discussion.
Following the dialogue, CITU leader Soundararajan stated, “The government has announced the formation of a committee to discuss the 15th wage increase. It has been decided that an amount must be allocated to provide relief to laid-off workers without delay. Workers who have been laid off due to the suspension of work are suffering. They must receive actions to address their grievances.”
Election Manifesto: In the election manifesto, we have emphasised the immediate implementation of the old retirement scheme. In the next agitation, we must ensure that demands are addressed without any compromise.
What are the demands? Trade unions have spent Rs. 13,000 crore in expenses over the years for the welfare fund of workers. Trade unions conduct only welfare programmes funded by workers’ money. As a result, families of workers who have received relief are struggling. Their daily needs are not met immediately.
Backlog: Workers who have retired have been waiting for their dues for the past 8 years. About 90,000 retired workers, who have contributed significantly to the growth of trade unions, are suffering in their old age. We will provide relief to workers who have suffered due to the suspension of work if the DMK government comes to power. This was announced by the Chief Minister. However, this has not been implemented yet. Therefore, it is imperative that relief be provided to workers.
Retirement Benefits: Retirement benefits are the cornerstone of life in old age. The High Court has made it clear that it is not a matter of concession but a right. Therefore, a new retirement scheme was announced by the previous government. Therefore, workers who joined the workforce after 2003 do not receive retirement benefits. As a result, the families of 4,000 deceased workers who joined after 2003 are suffering financially. We will withdraw the new retirement scheme announced by the DMK government. The Election Commission has not implemented the election manifesto. Therefore, we must withdraw the new retirement scheme. Retirement benefits must be provided immediately.
Work Suspension: In order to protect trade unions from sabotage, we have submitted demands to the government and authorities. We have fought against oppression, exploitation, and starvation. We have also received favourable decisions from the Supreme Court. Work suspension means that the struggles of 20 million people in Tamil Nadu to commute to work are severe. However, the government is turning a blind eye. We have come to end the struggle for work suspension and other battles through other means. We will fight for the essential needs that must be addressed for work suspension.”