Date:26/05/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/05/26/stories/2008052658670300.htm

Tamil Nadu - Coimbatore

Workers stage demonstration in city

Staff Reporter

The association calls for an increased food subsidy for workers

— PHOTO: S. SIVA SARAVANAN

RAISING slogans: Members of the Tamil Nadu Civil Supply Shop and General Workers’ Union staging a demonstration in the city on Sunday.

COIMBATORE: The Tamil Nadu Civil Supply Shop and General Workers’ Union, affiliated to the AICCTU, organised a demonstration here on Sunday demanding benefits for head load workers as given to confirmed workers.

A release from the union said these workers now received wages based on load movement though the Government had announced them as confirmed workers two years ago.

Increase in wages

The union also demanded implementation of 20 per cent increase in wages for these workers once in two years and strengthening of the public distribution system. It also sought filling up of vacancies at the earliest.

The association also called for an increased food subsidy for the workers. It wanted this to be earmarked in the budget. The workers should be given 100 per cent allocation in fair price shops.

The association demanded that temporary women conservancy workers with more than 20 years of service should be regularised.