Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, May 02 2010:
As observed across the world, the International Workers' Day was observed in different parts of the State on May 1 .
The All India Trade Union Congress, Manipur branch observed the 120th Workers' Day at Majorkhul community hall in the afternoon yesterday.
Giving the keynote address of the observance, AITUC Manipur branch general secretary L Sotinkumar said that the relevance of May Day (Workers' Day) has been rising day by day.
Workers, particularly those in unorganised sector, have been facing various difficulties such as downsizing, lack of job opportunities, absence of authority to lodge complaints, harassment at work places etc.
Even after 50 years of the Indian Labour Conference, workers of the country are yet to get minimum wages whereas executives of corporate sectors have been amassing huge wealth, Sotinkumar observed.
Calling upon labourers of the country to understand the significance of May Day, Sotinkumar said that each and every labourer should demand minimum wages.
Earlier in the morning, the All India Working Women's Forum observed May Day at the same venue.
The observance was held as a State convention ahead of the second All India Working Women's Forum-AITUC scheduled to be held at Vishakapatnam on June 4 and 5 .
The meeting deliberated on the problems and plight being endured by women engaged in myriad fields such as teachers, nurses, SHGs, Anganwadi workers, cooks, labourers working in brick kilns, quarries, construction works, vendors, agriculture workers etc.
May Day was also observed under the aegis of the Manipur Electricity Employees' Union at their conference hall.
The observance was marked by offering of floral tributes to departed leaders who championed the cause of workers.
In addition to deliberating on the problems being faced by labourers in Manipur, speakers addressing the gathering appealed for solutions to the prolonged impasse over the demand for implementation of 6th Pay Commission recommendations and the continuing blockade against the ADC elections.
Ipak Film Production also observed May Day at their office.
Chief advisor of Ipak Film Productions Laishram Nabakishore, Ipak Film production's president Ch Surendra and theatre director Naba Wareppa graced the function as presidium members.
Our Jiribam reports that the May Day was also observed at Jiribam Higher Secondary School under the aegis of the Manipur Loumi Lup, Jiribam Area Committee (MLLJAC).
Around 200 people participated at the observance presided by MLLJAC president K Khumanjao.