Workers in Mussoorie Threaten Indefinite Strike if Demands Not Met

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Garhwal Post Bureau, Mussoorie, 1 Apr: Labour organisations affiliated with the All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC) launched a frontal attack against the Central and State governments, staging a vigorous protest against the four new labour codes. Organised as a ‘Black Day’ of protest, the event saw workers accusing the government of violating labourers’ rights and submitting a memorandum outlining their various demands.

Protest Highlights and Government Response

Led by Mussoorie President RP Badoni, activists from the labour organisations gathered at Picture Palace Chowk. From this central location, they raised slogans expressing their outrage against the government’s recent policies. Following their demonstration, they forwarded a memorandum addressed to the Chief Minister through the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) of Mussoorie.

Labour organisations assert that the four new labour codes implemented by the Central Government are anti-worker in nature and tend to erode labourers’ rights. Among their demands, they urged the State Government to refrain from enforcing these laws within Uttarakhand.

Specific Demands of the Labourers

The protestors outlined several key demands, including:

• Immediate lifting of the freeze on the payment of Dearness Allowance (DA) for workers employed in hotels, schools, shops, and tea gardens.
• Fixing the minimum daily wage for construction workers at Rs 1,500.
• Halting the unregulated proliferation of hotels and resorts in Mussoorie.
• Strict enforcement of minimum wage laws across all sectors.
• Establishing effective controls over rising inflation and the black marketing of cooking gas.

Additionally, they called for the rehabilitation of 121 rickshaw pullers impacted by the Rickshaw Abolition Scheme implemented by the Municipal Council.

Consequences of Ignoring the Demands

Labour leaders RP Badoni and Devi Godiyal issued a stern warning: if their demands are not addressed promptly, an indefinite strike will commence in Mussoorie starting on 1 June. The anticipated strike is expected to have widespread participation from employees working in hotels, schools, restaurants, and various other sectors. Leaders expressed that the lives of workers are in jeopardy due to a continuous stream of anti-labour policies. They declared that they would no longer remain silent, warning that if the situation does not improve, the agitation will intensify.

In a tourist hub like Mussoorie, such a movement could significantly impact the local economy. As more attention is placed on these grievances, the urgency of finding a resolution becomes increasingly paramount for both the administration and the government.

Conclusion

Recent protests led by labour unions in Mussoorie illuminate a growing tension between workers and government policies. The demands raised reflect a desire for better working conditions and rights protection. With a potential indefinite strike looming, both the workers and government face critical pressure to reach a viable resolution. For the sake of the local economy and the livelihoods of numerous families, swift action is necessary.

Written by: Priya Sharma & Anjali Verma, Team avpganga

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