Mescom contract workers to protest on April 17

Mescom contract workers to protest on April 17

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangalore, April 5, 2012 : Contract workers of Mangalore Electricity Supply Company (Mescom) will stage a protest in front of the Mescom office on April 17.

One of the resolutions of the state level convention of Mescom workers held on Tuesday was to stage day-and-night protest till the company considered their demands.

In his inaugural address, B. Madhava, the vice president of the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) said that the system of hiring workers on contract has been abolished by the Contract Labour Regulation and Abolition Act of 1970, but neither the state nor the central governments have decided on ways to implement this act.

Alleging that American imperialists dictate terms to the governments, he urged workers to stay united and fight for their rights.

The workers will demand minimum monthly wages of Rs. 10,000, wage slips, provident funds, earned leave, employment card, health care, and equal remuneration for equal work.

Mescom has hired operators, watchmen, security personnel, meter readers, bill collectors, computer operators, and many others on a contract basis.