Kerala - Kollam   

INTUC for a labour policy in tune with the economy

KOLLAM: State president of the Indian National Trade Union Congress (INTUC) R. Chandrashekar has called for a new labour outlook in the State that is in tune with economic changes.

Talking to The Hindu here, he said that the labour in any sector should ensure maximum output and the benefits should be shared. Trade unions in the State had taken an unscientific approach by competing to raise demands; an expression of one-upmanship without examining the capacity of the employer to pay. The State paid a big price for it with the ruin of its industries, and still continues to suffer the after effects of that style of union operation.

The INTUC believed in productivity and welfare of the labourers, Mr. Chandrashekar said. The INTUC was of the opinion that the economic reforms initiated in 1991 had brought about unprecedented growth in the country’s economy. The reforms had created awareness even among Communist organisations that an industrial unit was a labourer’s livelihood too. He added that in the changed situation, his organisation stood for participatory management.

But, the INTUC strongly opposed any kind of hire-and-fire attitude under the label of economic reforms and that was the reason why the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) was not prepared to amend the Industrial Disputes Act.

The INTUC’s proposal for a better bonus structure was accepted by the Congress-led UPA government, raising the bonus ceiling from Rs.3,500 to Rs.10,000.

The revolutionary National Rural Employment Guarantee Act was also a reflection of the Congress’ approach towards labour welfare.

He said that both the BJP and the Left parties had vested interests in the trade union movement.

In spite of the Left Democratic Front (LDF) government announcing an industrial policy eight months ago, no labour policy had been declared.

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