PANAJI
Among the several workers issues that will be highlighted on the agenda, AITUC leader Suhas Naik said will be increasing the minimum wages and the need for a permanent labour commissioner. “Goa s labour scenario is in very bad condition with no permanent commissioner yet. The government needs to take cognizance of this situation and hire someone on a permanent basis. Under such conditions, there are no inspections and proper implementation of labor laws,” he said. He also added that though the state government agreed to increase the daily minimum wage amount from Rs 215 to Rs 248, the same was not notified. “We had initially demanded Rs 600, but the government said they would settle for Rs 248 but has still not been notified. If the government doesn t notify it in the next 15 days, we will be forced to take alternative steps,” said Naik. Meanwhile, general secretary R D Mangueshkar said workers were unhappy with the government for trying to suppress the trade unions. “The government is trying very hard to curb the voices of the workers by imposing Section 144 on them when they want to protest. This is not a good sign,” he said adding that the daylong protest in Ponda will also be used to churn out a program for all their issues.
