Plantation workers fight for wage increase

Rubber plantation workers in Kanyakumari District of Tamilnadu, went on an indefinite strike from July 1, 2010, in support of their demand for wage increase. Workers working on private rubber plantations are presently being paid Rs.155/day. The last agreement between workers and the owners was made three years ago and ended on June 30, 2010.

Continue reading

In support of Mumbai’s motormen

Sir, The demands of the Central and Western Railway motormen are totally just. It is the worst kind of exploitation to keep workers on contract when they have been working continuously for over 20 years. It is indeed a strange principle that is applied in our country. Those in the highest positions are not at all accountable, they are paid the highest salaries and are afforded all kinds of perquisites, and they are permanent employees! On the other hand, workers at the lowest rung who are paid an apology of a wage have the sword of contractual employment forever hanging over their heads – this is the worst kind of exploitation.

Continue reading

Editorial: Ghost of Bhopal and the deepening credibility crisis

The storm raised in India and abroad over the trial court verdict on the Bhopal gas tragedy of 1984 has deepened the crisis of credibility of the Manmohan Singh regime. From the painstaking evidence gathered by those fighting for justice for the lakhs of victims of this tragedy, it is clear as daylight that the then Rajiv Gandhi regime was more concerned about rescuing Warren Anderson and the management of Union Carbide from the wrath of the people, than about ensuring justice for the victims of the gas tragedy.

Continue reading

Railway Ministry betrays motormen!

We had reported in the May 15-31 issue of MEL on the strike action of the Central Railway and Western Railway Motormen on May 3-4, 2010. They resumed work only when it was announced on May 4 by the Railway Ministry in the floor of the Parliament that the Railways would look into the grievances of the motormen and resolve the same by June 15. However as on June 15 the Railways Management has not announced any measures to address the grievances of the motormen.

Continue reading

Delhi Regional Conference of Party held in enthusiastic atmosphere

The Delhi Regional Conference of the Party held in June reviewed the work of the Party since the last Conference in April 2009, and charted the future course of action. The delegates reflected the work of the party — workers, student and youth activists, veteran comrades, as well new comrades who have come forward to join the ranks of the party inspired by its ideals and its work. Nearly 40% of the delegates were women.

Continue reading