By Special Correspondent
Bhopal: Organisations representing temporary, outsourced and contract workers across Madhya Pradesh have announced a statewide strike on February 12 to protest against privatisation of government departments and what they describe as anti-labour policies. The call has been jointly given by employees working in government departments, local bodies, panchayats, scheme-based services, cooperatives and the unorganised sector.
Addressing the media, Vasudev Sharma, State President of the All Department Outsourced and Temporary Employees’ Joint Front, said dozens of workers’ unions have extended support to the strike. Protest demonstrations will be held simultaneously in all districts, followed by submissions of memoranda addressed to the Prime Minister and Chief Minister.
Sharma alleged that labour codes, outsourcing and contractual systems have pushed workers into insecurity, low wages and exploitation, even after decades of service. He warned that if demands for regular employment, minimum wages and social security are not addressed, the agitation would be intensified. The strike, he said, aims to protect the economic interests and dignity of the entire working class.
