CITU objects UPA's FDI policy in construction projects

Barrackpore, June 29 (UNI) Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) President M K Pandhe today said his party will fight against the UPA's policy of cent per cent foreign direct investment in construction projects.

Addressing mediamen at Khardah on the occasion of working committee meeting of the construction workers Federation of India(CWFI), Mr Pandhe criticised Centres's policies, causing price hike including petroleum products. He said CITU had invited all the trade unions of the country at a joint conference on July 25 to adopt a resolution for a combined movement and call a nation-wide strike against the Centre.

The 38th session of CWFI working committee also condemned the brutal attack by a private company on three CWFI leaders in Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh through their hired killers to suppress trade Union movements.

Three CWFI leaders were killed when they demanded minimum wages and implementation of labour laws, Mr Pandhe alleged.

The CWFI also demanded implementation of Construction Workers Welfare Act, 1996 in all the states. The Act has been implemented only in seven states including West Bengal and Kerala. The CITU President, however, said that minimum wages could not be equal in all states but said floor level minimum wages needed to be fixed up in the country.

Referring to the construction workers, Mr Pandhe said CWFI will increase its strength to 10 lakh from 5 lakh members soon from amongst 50 lakh workers involved in construction works. He also emphasised a National register of construction workers to help welfare of this sector.

UNI XC SP RN1720