Demands - Recognise Scheme Workers’ contribution the nation;
Implement the recommendations of the 45th ILC on minimum wages and pension;
Increase budget allocations for the basic services schemes
Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) congratulates the thousands of scheme workers especially the Anganwadi, ASHA and Mid Day Meal Workers of the country for the massive all India protest before the MPs on 6 January 2022 demanding increased budget allocations for the basic services schemes like ICDS, MDMS and NHM for Implementation the recommendations of the 45th ILC on minimum wages and pension and gratuity as per Supreme Court Order.
Since last many years the budget allocation to these schemes is decreasing causing serious damages to the schemes, as workers are not paid their honorarium for months, beneficiaries are
The strike call is given by the Joint platform of Scheme Workers consisting of the organizations of scheme workers affiliated to the central trade unions – INTUC, AITUC, HMS, CITU, AIUTUC, TUCC, AICCTU, LPF and UTUC. The strike was more unified and was participated by wider sections of the scheme workers this year comparing to earlier struggles despite the adverse covid situation in many parts of the country. This year there was much more coordination between various sectors of scheme works as well as among various trade unions.
The demands of the strike include immediate demands of safety at work, risk allowance and insurance cover during covid duty and long pending demands of regularization as workers, minimum wages, social security and pension and against privatization. The unions have submitted memorandum addressed to the Prime Minister of India in at all centres. (A copy attached).The unions have also raised issues of basic rights of the people for health and nutrition and adequate budget allocations to ensure this. The strike has seen wide support from various sections of the people.
The Joint Platform of Central Trade Unions as well as the Samyukta Kisan Morcha had extended solidarity and support to the strike. In many places the leaders and cadres of these organizations participated in the rallies and demonstrations. Various women’s organizations also had extended support to the strike.
We express sincere gratitude to the CTUs, SKM and various women’s organizations and other section of the people for their wholehearted solidarity and support.
We warn the Government of much more intensified struggles including mass mobilizations and multiple days strike in case the demands are not immediately met.
We call upon the scheme workers and their unions to be prepared for heightened struggles against the anti people, anti worker government and its policies to dismantle the schemes and exploit the workers.
Issued by
A R Sindhu
For Joint Platform of Scheme Workers Federations
INTUC AITUC HMS CITU
AIUTUC TUCC AICCTU LPF UTUC
