Report of Mazdoor Ekta Committee correspondent
Temporary workers in the Gurgaon-Manesar industrial area are demanding increased wages and better working conditions. Mazdoor Ekta Committee condemns the police brutality against the striking workers and supports their legitimate demands.
Temporary workers in the Gurgaon-Manesar industrial area have been on strike since 2 April, demanding increases in wages and better working conditions. Temporary workers at approximately 10 companies, including Roop Polymers, Ruchika Garments, Satyam Auto, Honda, and Munjal Showa, have gone on strike. These workers have started demonstrations outside their respective companies. The striking workers raised slogans against the management and in support of their demands.
To stop this struggle of the workers, the Haryana government imposed Section 163 of the Indian Civil Security Code (BNSS) in the Manesar industrial area of Gurgaon, according to which more than 5 people cannot gather without permission.
On 9 April, workers gathered in Manesar were lathi-charged. Several workers were injured in this police action, with one seriously injured. Mazdoor Ekta Committee condemns this police brutality and supports the workers’ legitimate demands.
It is worth noting that in Haryana’s industrial district of Gurgaon, contract laborers—whether they are helpers, mechanics, or skilled workers—are paid a meager monthly salary of Rs. 11,000 to 12,000. Overtime is also paid at a single rate. In this time of rising inflation, life has become extremely difficult for workers. Their wages have not been increased for several years. Workplaces lack basic amenities. Furthermore, management treats workers with disrespect and threatens them with dismissal.
The Council of Trade Unions of Gurgaon submitted a memorandum to the government on 9 April, raising the following demands:
• The agreement reached with casual workers at Honda Company regarding a Rs. 5,000 wage increase, free canteen meals, bonuses, and other agreed demands should be implemented immediately, fully and honestly.
• The minimum wage for all categories of workers (including casual workers) in Haryana should be set at ₹33,000 per month.
• The employment of casual workers for permanent jobs should be prohibited and such workers should be made permanent.
• All workers should be ensured overtime payment at the legally mandated double rate.
• Labour laws should be strictly enforced, and strict action should be taken against companies violating them.
• Workplace abuse of workers should be stopped and a safe and respectful working environment should be ensured.
• The illegal interference, pressure, and intimidation of the police and administration in workers’ andolan should be immediately stopped.
• Any form of management or administrative pressure on striking workers should be immediately stopped.
• The Labour Department should be directed to intervene immediately and ensure a resolution to the workers’ problems.
• To control the prices of essential food items, especially eggs, the government should formulate a clear policy to establish appropriate government rates in the market and ensure strict adherence to them.