Karnataka - Bangalore

Awareness on the power of collective bargaining

Bangalore: Layoffs, wage differentials and employees’ rights were among the issues discussed at a seminar organised by Union of Information Technology Enabled Services Professionals (Unites-Professionals), in Bangalore on Saturday.

The seminar was conducted on the theme “Know your rights at work” and was aimed at bringing awareness on the “power of collective bargaining.”

Prithviraj Lekkad, president of Unites-Professionals, said: “There is a need for better corporate behaviour and improved living conditions of the workmen in the ITeS sector. We have helped people who have been harassed, discriminated against and have been fired from their jobs without any reason.”

He said: “The union is only four years old. We strive to create a distinct and cogent link between the employers and the employees at all levels. The employees need to be aware of their rights, lest they are exploited by profit-oriented multinational companies.”

Karthik Shekhar, general secretary, said: “When people feel helpless and exploited at their workplaces, we offer them a solution. Community organising, leadership development, media advocacy, education and training are the paths we tread in our fight against unethical practices at the workplaces. The union has signed an agreement to work with the managements of various corporate giants, and help them with their employee welfare.”

Active centres of the union are present at Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad and Kochi.

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