CHENNAI: Citing many instances of flagrant violation of workers’ rights in multinational companies, CPM MLA A Soundararajan on Tuesday urged the State government to take appropriate steps to ensure that the working class was not denied its legal rights.Participating in the discussion on the demand for grant to Labour Department in the State Assembly, Soundararajan wanted the government to declare those who deny the legal rights of workers as those against the law of the land.Stating that the management of Comstar Automotive Technologies was adamant that it would neither hold talks with the trade union nor recognise it, he said it was only due to this attitude that the workers’ strike was continuing for 32 days now. Under the Industrial Disputes Act 1947, an interim relief should be provided to the workers and the strike must be brought to an end, he urged. Intervening, Labour Minister ST Chellapandian said steps would be taken to halt the strike.In Hyundai, 34 persons were dismissed from service and several were transferred for establishing a trade union. Orchid Chemicals dismissed 400 persons and there were 13 similar companies, he noted. “These workers must be given jobs again. In keeping with natural justice, the State must intervene and ensure that employees got back their jobs.”Accusing companies like Ford and Sanmina for intimidating workers against setting up trade unions, he pointed out that legal norms, including eight-hour work and provision of provident fund were flouted often. Tough action must be taken against such companies by the Labour Department, he said. “We do not demand concession from the MNC managements. We only appeal that rights bestowed by the law be given,” he said.Faulting the previous DMK regime of failing to act against errant companies, he urged the government to help the workers get their legal rights.
Comments
0 comment