Congress targets Govt. over trade unions nationwide strike

New Delhi [India], Sept. 2 (ANI): The Congress on Friday cornered the BJP-led NDA regime over the nationwide protest called by the central trade unions (CTUs) against the Centre's alleged anti-labour policies and said this is the tragedy of India today that the workers are forced to come to the streets. Congress spokesperson Tom Vadakkan expressed his sorrow over the present state of affairs in the country courtesy the rising prices. "When prices are at the roof, workers will go on strike, farmers will commit suicide, this is the tragedy of India today," Vadakkan told ANI "We are sad that workers are forced to come to the streets, farmers are committing suicide, this is the price we have to pay for the present government," he added. The central trade unions have called for a strike across the country today to express their disagreement with the Central Government's unilateral labour reforms and anti-worker policies. The workers from various sectors such as coal, oil, transport, banking and telecom are supporting the strike. They have termed the government's assurances to look into their demands and the recent announcements for two-year bonus and hike in minimum wage as inadequate. The RSS-associated Bhartiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS) has decided not to participate in the strike. "We gave the notice to the government, but when the government took the step forward then we decided to withdraw from the strike. The effect of strike is not visible as the entire rail system is working. They have tried a lot to mislead the people but that phase is over, now no one from Bhartiya Mazdoor Sangh will be part of this strike," BMS organising secretary Pawan Kumar told ANI. Union Labour Minister Bandaru Dattatreya had earlier said that the government wants a harmonious working relation with the trade unions. He said the Centre is focusing on improving their working conditions, health, wage, job security and social security. Stating that the government has already revised the wages of non-agricultural workers by 42 percent, Dattatreya said hike in the minimum wage for agricultural workers would be announced soon. (ANI)