PANAJI
Raising the demand for a minimum Rs 35,000 monthly wage for skilled workers, the All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC) organized its traditional 'May Day' rally in the capital city where concerns were also raised over what it called were large-scale job losses in Goa's pharma sector.
AITUC leader Suhas Naik who addressed the workers who joined the rally questioned the alarming rise in termination of workers and said it was happening especially in the pharmaceutical sector here in Goa.
Naik in his address also highlighted the plight of workers who suddenly get laid-off dwelling on the stress they face in their daily family life.
Naik and other AITUC leaders raised the issue of accountability of managements and demanded that the government investigate the allegedly unjust layoffs in the pharmaceutical industry which is thriving in the State.
Hundreds of workers marched through the streets of the capital city holding placards and raising slogans to the effect that economic growth cannot be pursued at the cost of the workers, their rights and their livelihoods.
Meanwhile, AITUC president, Christopher Fonseca demanded that 'skilled workers' both in the State and the country should get a minimum of Rs 35,000 salary per month.
Fonseca who also addressed the rally put forth 24 demands on behalf of the workers before the government.
Other AITUC leaders including Raju Mangeshkar, Prasanna Utagi and hundreds of workers from across the State attended.
Fonseca also castigated the Central government accusing it of being anti-worker by bringing in several new pro-capitalist laws which are against the welfare of workers.
He also raised concern over the rising unemployment in the country even as he questioned the government's use of ESMA to crush workers' movements and fight for rights.
