We asked for the implementation of ministry’s own advisories with regard to the payment of wages and no retrenchment of the workers. Also, that they be allowed to continue on job even when no work is going on during COVID crises’ period. We also suggested that in the case of micro, small and tiny sector, the government should subsidise the sector for wage component of workers. The ministry kept silence on all these suggestions.

There was neither any response to the issue of cash transfer when we informed that whatever were promised under the schemes are not reaching the targeted groups evenly and appropriately, that the issues of implementation are there and we also sought for all who lost their livelihood to be paid not less than Rs 7,500 to all the workers of unorganized sector, contract and casual of the organised sector, self-account workers, daily wagers, domestic workers and home-based piece-rate workers, etc.

The unions demanded sufficient number of trains for making it possible for the workers to visit their native places and withdrawal of the union home ministry’s order of May 3, which discriminates within the migrant workers who intend to go home. We also said that the workers should not be charged travel-fare as there are reports from some parts of the country that they are being asked to part with money. There was no response even on that. Rather far from being truth, the claim was made by the ministry that workers are not being charged fare anywhere.

The unions demanded the Ministry to intervene to stop decisions being taken by several states to increase working hours and wage cuts. We had also demanded that the Act on Migrant Labour be revisited for improving it in the interest of migrant workers. But this also was not at all responded.

The unions lauded the role of the central and state government employees and those of public sector enterprises who worked hard in running the country during the COVID-19 crisis risking their own health. Hence, there was clear demand not to freeze DA and DR of employees and pensioners. Also, unions demanded for the roll-back of the policy of privatisation of the PSUs. They also demanded scheme workers — ASHA, Anganwadi, Midday Meal and others — to be recognised as workers. Even these issues did not receive any response from the ministry. MGNREGA work be further expanded and the urban employment guarantee schemes be initiated was also one of the demands.

It was shocking that the ministry instead of responding to all the issues mentioned above and several other issues raised was trying to impress upon the trade unions to convince the stranded/migrant workers to give up their desire to go to their native places. Such an approach smelled of denying fundamental right of a citizen to choose to be with the family and decide on his/her own when to join the work.

To our bewilderment the argument used was that the workers need not fear COVID-19 as the death rate is low in India. This is a contradictory approach to the reality at the grass-root when the workers are being lathi-charged on the excuse that they are breaking lock-down rules whenever they are protesting, demanding food and ration or asking to make arrangements of travel back, etc. (IPA Service)