THE GOAN NETWORK
PANAJI
The All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC) has asked the Goa government to resolve a series of long-standing labour issues citing these are pending despite multiple requests and reminders.
At a protest held at Azad Maidan, the union leaders raised another key issue -- to revoke anti-labour notification that prohibits strikes in pharmaceutical companies.
As per the press note released, AITUC has also expressed concern over the government’s failure to implement the 7th Pay Commission for Panchayat employees, a matter that has been pending for quite some time.
Another issue pertains to contract workers employed in the PWD through the PWD Labour Supply Society Ltd. AITUC has called for the regularisation of these workers, who are currently denied benefits that should be afforded to full-time employees. The union has similarly raised concerns about the uncertain future of the 200 workers employed at Sanjivani Sahakari Sakhar Karkhana Ltd.
The Goa State Co-Operative Milk Producers’ employees are another group that AITUC is advocating for, as they have not received the long-overdue Dearness Allowance (DA) hike. AITUC has also highlighted the issues faced by women employees at the Sanjay Centre School for Special Education, who have reported harassment by the school management. Many of these workers, particularly those who have retired, are still awaiting their legal dues.
Workers at Kadamba Transport Corporation Ltd. (KTCL) are facing delays in receiving settlement arrears, and pre-primary helpers employed in the Education Department continue to receive low wages, which AITUC has criticised as unfair. Additionally, AITUC has called for a resolution to the ongoing issue of overtime wages and duty rosters for staff working at the River Navigation Department.
The union has also raised the issue of workers in the Electricity Department, specifically the linemen whose services have yet to be regularised.
They also called for improvements in wages for workers across various sectors and for the establishment of several statutory labour boards in Goa. These include the Goa State Contract Labour Advisory Board (GSCLAB), the Goa State Labour Advisory Board (SLAB), and the Inter-State Migrant Workers’ Board (ISMWB), which is currently defunct.
