NEW DELHI, Jan 23: A 10-member delegation of the BRO Labourers Union-NE Region (BROLU-NER) led by its president Leki Tsering recently met union MoS for Labour & Employment Santosh Kr Gangwar here and submitted a 14-point memorandum, demanding job regularization and implementation of various labour laws.
The memorandum demanded implementation of the Labour Law, the Maternity Benefit Act, 1961 (Amendment Act, 2017), the Payment of Bonus Act, 1972 and social security such as EPF, ESI and insurance.
The BROLU-NER, with its head office in Tezpur, Assam, also demanded granting of earned leave, 12 days’ casual leave, medical facilities and restrooms, Right to Education, etc.
Other demands of the union included skilled category status for casual mate/supervisor; halt on the tendering system for construction of roads and buildings through private contractors; and setting up an advisory committee comprising representatives from the defence, social justice and labour & employment ministries and the BROLU-NER.
The BROLU-NER informed that the union minister has assured to discuss the issues.
Tsering said that despite repeated pleas to the BRO authorities, no initiative has been taken yet to redress the grievances of the labourers.
The union has threatened to launch a democratic movement, including hunger strike, in the national capital if its demands are not fulfilled.
