KOLKATA: "The Left parties will in no way accept any proposal which suggests that trade union rights are not to be made applicable to Special Economic Zones or that there are to be no labour laws there," West Bengal Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee said here on Tuesday.

"Labour laws should remain uniform and we are telling the Centre not to take steps that would be detrimental to the interests of workers. We do not want workers to turn into slaves. Just as there is need for capital inflow it is also important that workers are able to keep their heads raised," Mr. Bhattacharjee said at a function organised by the State Government to observe May Day.

The Chief Minister said that there is a need for "self-criticism" in the Congress "which is taking the country the wrong path where the poor were getting poorer." "We are telling them to realise and admit their mistakes; if any legislation is introduced that goes against the workers we will oppose it," he added.

Turning to West Bengal, he said the State was facing a "crucial test in trying to consolidate its agricultural success and moving towards industrialisation."

"The responsibility is ours to move forward and not go back; may this be our pledge on May Day," Mr. Bhattacharjee said.

He stressed the need for more industries and commerce.

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail