Date:05/11/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/11/05/stories/2008110560680700.htm

Tamil Nadu

Meeting seeks timely assistance for construction workers

Special Correspondent

CHENNAI: The three-day State conference of the Construction Workers’ Federation of India, which ended here on Tuesday, appealed to the State government to disburse welfare assistance in time to workers through the boards.

Federation’s State general secretary R. Singaravelu appealed to the government to bring the construction workers welfare board under the Tamil Nadu Manual Workers Act, 1982, and facilitate cess collection for Central government projects. The conference also sought adequate compensation for natural death, maternity leave and pension benefits.

Mr. Singaravelu said the meeting, attended by more than 600 workers, also demanded free house site ‘pattas’ and pension for women workers when they reached the age of 50 as it was done in Karnataka.

The conference has also called for a State-wide strike on January 20 to press its demands.