Sri Vijaya Puram, Oct. 3: Along with other parts of the world, the Andaman & Nicobar State Committee of CITU has observed 3rd October, 2024 as “International Action Day” to celebrate the 79th Formation Day of the World Federation of Trade Unions (WFTU) by orgnaising a Seminar at Port Blair today (3.10.2024) afternoon which was attended by a large number of workers despite heavy rain.

Every year, the WFTU observes 3rd October as the “International Action Day.”   This year the WFTU has given a call to observe the Day, highlighting the demands of (1) 35 hours of work per week without wage reduction, (2) Health and safety in workplaces, (3) Ensuring social securities and access to universal systems of public healthcare and education and (4) Quality working and living environment.  Speaking at the Seminar, B. Chandrachoodan, General Secretary, CITU A & N State Committee criticized the central government for trying to take away the rights and benefits being enjoyed by the working class in India.  He said that the passing of four Labour Codes to curtail the existing benefits and rights of the workers at the instance of corporates show the class affinity of the BJP and Sangh Parivar. He referred to the large scale movements conducted by the workers in various parts of the country against the anti- labour policies of the rulers.   

Addressing the participants in the Seminar, D. Ayyappan, Vice President, CITU State Committee said that crores of workers in the unorganized sector in the country are out of the social security schemes and no efforts are made to extend any benefits to this section of workers.  He said that world over, workers are being exploited, their social security schemes are curtailed, their wages are reduced, against which massive resistance is organised in several parts of the world.  He said that World Federation of Trade Unions (WFTU) is leading the workers in their fights against rulers. He said that during the regime of Modi, his friends in the corporate sector are thriving while the living condition of crores of workers is adversely affected.  

SP Kalairajan, Secretary, CITU also addressed the participants in the Seminar, explaining the importance of the International Action Day.  BC Bhattacharjee, Vice President, CITU State Committee presided over the Seminar. CITU leaders M. Boominathan, Anand Rajan and M. Yugander were present.