LABOUR SNIPPETS OCTOBER 2024

84.8 lakh workers registered under MGNREGS deleted : Lib Tech Report

A Report by Lib Tech found that the net deletion of workers between April to September was 39.3 lakhs, and in total 84.8 lakh workers were deleted from the programme and a mere 45.5 lakh new workers have been added to the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS). This is amidst a rise in deletion of workers from the programme. It was found that the high rate of deletions coincided with the government’s push for Aadhaar-Based Payment System. To meet the eligibility of this system workers are reported to have to meet several conditions, including linking Aadhaar to their job card.

Nearly 50% of construction workers’ welfare cess funds unutilized 

It was found that nearly half of the Rs. 1.12 trillion collected by states and union territories as the building and other construction workers’ welfare cess fund remained unutilized till March 31t, 2024.

Nationwide strike of gig workers for fair wages, social security  
India’s first women-led gig workers union, the Gig and Platform Service Workers Union, have called for a nationwide strike from October 31, 2024. Women gig workers in Pune have extended their support to the strike as well. The strike demands introduction of social security schemes, statutory minimum wages, and other benefits from the companies. Workers get 1/4th of their earnings after deductions, they are forced to purchase product kits at full price, and have to pay hefty commissions to companies. Amongst other issues, gig workers have highly insecure employment and exploitative work conditions. 

Two workers killed, eight injured in Patna metro site accident 

Two workers were killed and eight injured when the Patna metro tunnel construction site had an accident, which buried them under the soil. The accident occurred when the brakes on a loaded locomotive pickup failed, causing it to run over multiple workers. This happened at night when around 25 workers were present on-site. This is despite workers having previously raised concerns about the lack of supervisors at night.

Car manufacturing workers protest for higher wages in Germany and Italy

As Volkswagen plans mass layoffs and shutdowns of three companies in Germany, thousands of Porsche, Mercedes and Audi workers took out rallies in Berlin and Ingolstadt demanding higher wages. The strikes, held by the IG Metall Union, included a walkout during the night shift at the Volkswagen plant in the city of Osnabureck, where there are apprehensions of the site shutting down. Approximately 71,000 workers participated in the strike. 

Tens of thousands of car workers have protested in Rome, for the first time in 20 years, seeking protection of their employment and for the companies to provide clarity about future production. 

Contract workers protest against outsourcing practices of Coimbatore Corporation

Over 500 contract workers protested in front of the Coimbatore South Taluk pressing for fair wages and better working conditions, and against the Corporation’s outsourcing practices. The protest was organized by a coalition of labour unions employed in sanitation, waste management and municipal services. Concerns were  raised over ESI and EPF contributions being not credited for one year. 

The ongoing contract with the Southern Solid Waste Management Services, the workers claim, had failed to meet legal requirements for compensation and benefits, including bonus and minimum wages. As the meeting with the Assistant Labour Commissioner ended without resolution, the workers stopped work and engaged in the protest. 

Sanitary workers in Tiruchi City Corporation also protested demanding better daily wages, which were promised by the authorities, and a month’s salary as Diwali bonus. 

Ambulance workers protest seeking fair pay, festival bonus 

The '108' Ambulance Workers union along with other organisations involving Aayush workers and LPG cylinder delivery workers protested near the collectorate in Madurai demanding equal pay, other labour benefits like bonus and salary increments. This is also due to the private organisations, which hired the workers, refusing to hold talks with the union. Similarly, 108 ambulance workers of Odisha have warned of a strike from November 1 demanding reinstatement of 200 leaders who were unlawfully removed from employment. 

Delhi Jal Board workers protest for better pay, regularization 
Over 100 workers of the Delhi Jal Board protested in Delhi seeking regularization of contractual employees, employment to family members of deceased workers and better pay, amongst other demands. The Municipal Workers Lal Jhanda Union also demanded that all permanent workers receive cashless medical treatment and that 50% of sanctioned permanent posts now laying vacant be filled.