The Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) today staged a protest in front of the Labour Department office in Agartala, demanding timely payment of festival bonuses and pending wages for workers ahead of Durga Puja.
Addressing reporters, senior CITU leader and former minister Manik Dey said the organisation had already submitted a written demand urging the government to ensure that workers across all sectors receive their bonuses at least 15 days before Sharad Tsav.
“In most sectors, tripartite agreements were signed to pay bonuses 10 days before the festival. But so far, there has been no initiative from employers to implement it,” Dey alleged, adding that the Labour Department has failed to play any effective role.
He further claimed that in past years, several employers either denied bonuses altogether or paid arbitrary amounts, forcing workers to remain silent for fear of losing their jobs. “The Labour Department cannot wash its hands off this exploitation,” he said.
Dey also accused the Agartala Municipal Corporation, block offices and other municipal bodies of not clearing wages of REGA and TUEP workers despite completed work.
“In the interest of workers’ rights, we demand immediate steps to ensure payment of bonuses and release of REGA and TUEP wages before Durga Puja,” he said.
The protest saw participation of several CITU leaders and members, who warned that negligence on the part of the authorities could trigger larger state-wide movements in the coming days.
