WEDNESDAY, MAY 15, 2024
Team Herald
All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC), spokesperson Raju Mangeshkar, held a press conference in Panjim on Monday, where he demanded the withdrawal of the Essential Services Maintenance Act recently imposed on pharmaceutical companies. Mangeshkar threatened to continue the agitation until the act was withdrawn. Furthermore, Mangeshkar informed that AITUC will organize a significant rally on International Workers' Day, May 1st, anticipating a turnout of over 10,000 attendees. The rally aims to address various issues impacting the working class, he added.
The rally will commence from the KTC bus stand, go through the city, and culminate at Azad Maidan. Following the rally, a special meeting will be held to address grievances, including the demand for the withdrawal of the Essential Services Maintenance Act recently imposed on pharmaceutical companies, and continue their agitation until this demand is met.
Mangeshkar highlighted the unique challenges faced by workers in Goa, particularly the Essential Services Maintenance Act on industries. He pointed out that Goa is the only state where this act is implemented in industries.
Mangeshkar further highlighted the existing issues such as the closure of mining operations and a decline in tourism due to environmental concerns. He even said that the government is rampantly doing deforestation to accommodate the building industry and there is no other way for reforestation efforts. Speaking to media Mangeshkar said that, these factors are contributing to a decline in Goa's tourism industries. He emphasized that the loss of greenery has led tourists to favor neighboring states over Goa, impacting the local economy negatively.
The AITUC rally and subsequent meeting aim to raise awareness of these pressing issues and mobilize support for necessary reforms in Goa's industrial and environmental policies.
