Sri Vijaya Puram, Sept. 28: Worker welfare issues spanning job regularisation, vacancies, overtime payments, safety equipment, medical facilities and maintenance of government infrastructure came under focus at a State-Level Workers Conference of the Indian National Trades Union Congress (INTUC) Federation, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, held at Ranchi Association Hall on September 26.
The conference brought together hundreds of workers from Chatham Saw Mill, Directorate of Shipping Services (DSS), APWD, the Municipal Council and other government departments. Held under the chairmanship of veteran trade union leader Hamid Ali and the leadership of INTUC Federation State President K.P. Usman, the meeting discussed challenges facing workers and the need to strengthen trade union representation.
National President of the INTUC Federation Swaminath Jaiswal attended as chief guest, while National Senior Vice President Rajesh Garhia and National Vice President TSG Bhasker addressed the gathering as guests of honour. Mahila Congress State President Zubaida Begum, ANTCC spokesperson Tamilselvan and RGPRS General Secretary Senthil also attended.
The conference resolved to intensify organisational activities across the islands and expand the federation’s reach. The leadership also called for the re-affiliation of departmental unions that had historically been associated with the Congress trade union movement. It said workers’ concerns would be pursued before the concerned authorities.
The conference was followed by a series of meetings with officials covering municipal services, APWD, labour administration, shipping and the Chatham Saw Mill. At the Municipal Council, the INTUC delegation sought medical camps for municipal workers once every three months. It also raised the regularisation of DRM and contract workers, provision of adequate sanitary equipment and the need to increase manpower. The Municipal Secretary assured the delegation that the proposal for regular medical camps would be positively considered.
With APWD, the delegation submitted a charter seeking regularisation of DRMs, filling vacant and promotional posts, timely payment of overtime allowance, repairs to government quarters and medical camps for employees. Chief Engineer APWD assured the delegation that the issues would be examined and necessary action taken.
The delegation also met the Labour Commissioner and raised the absence of Labour Welfare Officers in every department along with the demand for regular health camps. The Labour Commissioner assured the delegation that necessary action would be taken on the concerns.
At the Directorate of Shipping Services, the delegation submitted demands concerning the Dockyard and Afloat Section. These included appointment of a Forest Welfare Officer, filling vacant positions, health camps, modern safety equipment, timely filling of promotional posts through direct recruitment, settlement of pending overtime allowances and LTC claims, and proper maintenance of vessels. The Director of Shipping Services agreed to the points raised and directed concerned officials to act on them.
The delegation separately met the Deputy Conservator of Forest, Mill Division, Chatham, over long-pending concerns at the Chatham Saw Mill. Its demands included amendments to Recruitment Rules, appointment of an AMM, 12 days of casual leave for eligible employees, installation of a 60-inch band saw machine, a doctor and ambulance at the mill, safety equipment, regular health camps and repairs and maintenance of workers’ quarters.
After the meeting, the delegation met members of the Forest Labour Union and Chatham Saw Mill workers, who placed their grievances before the INTUC leadership. The delegation said unresolved matters would be taken up with the concerned Environment Ministry for early resolution.
