ACMS demands roll back of decision to increase working hours in gardens

A CORRESPONDENT

TANGLA: The Mangaldoi branch of Assam Chah Mazdoor Sangha (ACMS) has vehemently opposed the decision of the State cabinet to increase the working hours from 8 to 12 hours, terming it 'anti-labour'. ACMS Mangaldoi branch secretary Santiuse Kujur told media, "Such arbitrary decision of the government is tantamount to violation of the rights of the labourers."

Referring to increase of working hours through amendment of labour law in the Cabinet meeting held on May 8, Kujur said, "We condemn such decision which is detrimental to the cause of the workers. Let the government come up with other plans to revive the economy and not hound the workers of the tea gardens."

Kujur also exhorted the government to roll back and reconsider the decision in the greater interest of the labourers. "If the government fails to take any steps for its withdrawal soon, there will be no option left for the labourers of the State except to launch massive protests and lockdown in the days to come," he said.

Pertinently, the Assam Cabinet on Friday followed other BJP-ruled States in approving labour reforms to boost the economy at a time when economic activities have come to a grinding halt due to the lockdown. The measures in the labour reforms include introduction of fixed-term employment and increase in shift duty of workers from 8 to 12 hours. 

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