BANGALORE: Trade unions in Karnataka can emulate their counterparts in Andhra Pradesh that have transcended ideological and political affiliations to work together to eradicate child labour, N.M. Adyanthaya, president of the Indian National Trade Union Congress (INTUC) and member of the governing body of the International Labour Organisation, said here on Friday.

At the State-level workshop on "Trade union programme for fighting child labour," Mr. Adyanthaya said six trade unions in Andhra Pradesh came together to work for the eradication of child labour and to enrol as many children as possible in school.

The Andhra Pradesh Federation of Trade Unions for Elimination of Child Labour (APFTUCL), with support from the ILO, has energised the programme and improved awareness among the people to fight those who violated the child labour laws. He said estimates had revealed in recent times that at least three lakh children had been admitted in school.

The six unions, which came together are the All-India Trade Union Congress, Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh, the Centre for Indian Trade Unions, Hind Mazdoor Sangh, INTUC and Telugu Nadu Trade Union Congress.

In a message, Labour Minister Iqbal Ansari said it was time the Government took a tough stance on those who violated child labour laws, and continued to employ children in various fields.

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