The Akhil Bharatiya Theka Mazdoor Mahasangh, a unit of the BJP-backed Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS), will launch a nationwide agitation from December 10, demanding regularisation services of contract labour.
At a national convention held here recently, the BMS demanded wages and other benefits for contract workers on par with regular employees, as an interim measure till regularisation.
To begin with, the Mahasangh will hold one-hour demonstrations at all workplaces/ establishments on December 10, a BMS statement said.
A resolution adopted by the convention, noting the apparent shift in the attitude of the Government towards workers — from welfare to commercial — said: “In the name of sustainable growth in the global market and for achieving it in terms of GDP and stock markets rate, the Government closed its eyes and ears on the social impact of the brazen economic policies.”
Demanding a separate forum for contract labour to negotiate with the principal employer, the resolution demanded that the Government withdraw its ban on recruitment against existing vacancies and creation of posts for new assets. It also sought regularisation of the services of existing/serving contract labour by revoking the surrendered post and creating posts for new assets.
Additionally, it sought stronger labour enforcement machinery in the Centre and States by providing the requisite manpower and other logistics facilities.
The resolution demanded continuity of contract workers even if a contractor is changed.
“The length of service under the principal employer should be considered for payment of bonus, gratuity and other benefits to contract labour,” it said.