Central Trade Unions Call Strike On May 22 To Protest Labour Laws Suspension

New Delhi: To protest against the suspension of labour laws by some states during the lockdown period, 10 Central Trade Unions (CTUs) on Friday announced a nationwide strike on May 22.

A day-long hunger strike will be observed that day by members of INTUC, AITUC, HMS, CITU, AIUTUC, TUCC, SEWA, AICCTU, LPF and UTUC at Rajghat in New Delhi.

The CTUs are demanding immediate relief for stranded workers to reach their homes safely, food to be made available to all, universal coverage of ration distribution, cash transfer to all unorganised labour force among others.

“The joint platform of Central Trade Unions (CTUs), in their meeting held on May 14, took note of the critical situation for the working people in the country during the lockdown period and decided to enhance united action to meet the challenge,” said a joint statement by the 10 Central Trade Unions.

“The joint platform has decided to observe nationwide protest day against the anti-worker and anti-people onslaughts of the government on 22 May 2020,” it added.

The Central Trade Unions will also be sending joint representation to ILO in this regard as suspension of labour laws violates international commitments on labour standards and human rights.

Uttar Pradesh recently suspended 38 labour laws for 1,000 days. The laws that have been suspended include Trade Union Act, Industrial Disputes Act, Act on Occupational Safety and Health, Contract Labour Act, Interstate Migrant Labour Act, Equal Remuneration Act, Maternity Benefit Act.

Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Tripura, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Odisha, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Bihar and Punjab have tweaked the labour laws amid the coronavirus crisis.