May Day Observed by CITU and Affiliated Unions Across Andaman and Nicobar

Along with other parts of the country, the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) and its affiliated unions observed May Day across the Andaman & Nicobar Islands with a series of rallies and programmes. These events took place in multiple locations, drawing significant participation from numerous workers and union members, all uniting to advocate for workers' rights and address pressing labour concerns.

Island-Wide Demonstrations and Meetings

One significant rally commenced at Delanipur Junction in Sri Vijaya Puram, moving through key areas of the town before concluding near the Municipal Council Office. Hundreds of workers took part in this demonstration, showcasing their solidarity and commitment to the cause of labour. Similar programmes were organised extensively across the entire archipelago, including crucial locations such as Campbell Bay in Great Nicobar, Katchal, Hut Bay, Swaraj Dweep (formerly Havelock Island), Baratang, Kadamtala, Rangat, Billiground, Mayabunder, and Diglipur. Each of these locations witnessed well-attended rallies and public meetings where local union leaders and members addressed participants, articulating their demands and concerns. The widespread nature of these events underscored the collective strength and reach of CITU and its affiliated unions throughout the islands.

Addressing Critical Labour Concerns and Policy Impacts

During these gatherings, several prominent speakers from CITU raised critical concerns regarding current labour issues that are impacting the lives and livelihoods of workers. B. Chandrachoodan, General Secretary of the CITU State Committee, was particularly vocal in his criticism of the alleged opposition by the government and local administration to the regularisation of daily-rated workers in the islands. He eloquently drew parallels to the historic struggle for an 8-hour workday, reminding attendees of the significant victories achieved in the past, while simultaneously highlighting his concern that recent labour codes introduced provisions which could potentially lead to 12-hour workdays, reversing decades of hard-won labour protections. D. Ayyappan, Vice President of the CITU State Committee, further elaborated on these concerns, alleging that in certain states, workers were being compelled to work longer hours for low wages. He also raised alarms about what he described as the restriction of trade union rights, emphasizing the importance of collective bargaining and the freedom to organize.

Calls for Worker Unity and Strengthening the Movement

R. Surendran Pillai, President of the CITU State Committee, delivered a passionate address urging workers to strengthen their organisation in the islands. He stressed the importance of unity and sustained activism in order to effectively champion workers' rights. Additionally, Anand Rajan, Secretary of the CITU State Committee, addressed the attendees, reinforcing the messages of solidarity and collective action. As a symbolic gesture of the observance of May Day, CITU flags were prominently hoisted at various significant locations, including Crusade House in Phoenix Bay and during Peerless Resorts Employees Union events. These flag hoistings served as a visual testament to the enduring spirit of the labour movement.

The diverse programmes included not only rallies but also comprehensive public meetings, featuring contributions from a multitude of local leaders and committee members. Among those who contributed significantly were Dhandapani, Shiva, Nithin, Rajesh, Balamurugan, Thyagarajan, C. Rajesh, Raj Kumar, Manoj, Suben Bachar, Daniel Aint, Jayakumar, Shipra Bala, Projit Kr Sarkar, C. Karuppaiah, Ranjan Mondal, T. Kamesh, SR Mridha, Nikunjo Biswas, Rahul Dev Mridha, M. Murugan, Javed Mohammed, Noorduddin, Sunil Bepari, Barun Biswas, V. Prasanna Kumar, N. Moorthy, and Shivkumar. Their active participation and leadership were instrumental in making these events successful and impactful. These collective efforts were wholeheartedly aimed at highlighting pressing labour issues, fostering a strong sense of unity among workers, and ultimately striving for improved working conditions and greater rights for all labourers across the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Source

https://nicobartimes.com/local-news/citu-affiliated-unions-mark-may-day-across-andaman-nicobar-islands-with-rallies-and-meetings/