New Delhi: While the coal workers from across the country are on a three-day strike against privatisation in the coal sector, the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) observed National Protest Day and extended its support to the coal workers organising a protest in the national capital.
CITU had given a call for joint trade union movement opposing the Modi government's decision of privatisation in coal, defence, railways, space and banking sector.
The trade unions have also been opposing the suspension of labour laws by several BJP ruled states.
The coal workers continued with their total strike for the 2nd consecutive day and their movement gathered extended support as lakhs of working-class people from across the country associated with CITU observed National Protest Day.
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Tapas Sen, the general secretary of CITU led a protest in Delhi and slammed Modi government for the recent decisions.
"Through this massive action, the working class has unambiguously expressed its anger against the central government which has been utilising the lockdown to put the country on sale, nullify all labour laws and kill peasant farming in favour of corporate farming. It is a shame that the BJP government led by Modi, which so tries to deceive the nation by raising jingoistic and pseudo nationalistic slogans is, in reality, mortgaging national interest by privatising coal, defence, railways, banks etc. It is even more shameful that the lockdown period is sought to be utilised to push these destructive exercises" said Tapas Sen in his statement.
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His statement further said that the working class has sent a strong message that the working class, which creates the wealth of this country, will not tolerate handing over of public wealth to the big corporates and business houses, domestic and foreign; they will not tolerate and accept lying down the machinations of imposing conditions of slavery on them. This is a warning for further intensification of joint struggle towards non-cooperation, resistance and defiance in the coming days if the BJP government remains adamant in implementing these disastrous policies.
As claimed by the Center of Indian Trade Unions, protests were held at over 1 lakh places, workplaces, town and city centres and villages across the country with the participation of lakhs of workers.
It is to be noted that reports of arrests of the leaders and activists were received from some states.
Also Read: No evidence to support that suspending labour laws will bring investment: Tapan Sen
