Team Herald
PANJIM: Marking International Workers’ Day with a spirited show of solidarity, hundreds of workers gathered in Panjim on Thursday, May 1, under the banner of the All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC), demanding an increase in wages and pensions, along with broader labour reforms.
The rally saw the presentation of AITUC’s Working People’s Charter – 2025 to the State government, listing 25 comprehensive demands aimed at protecting and advancing the rights of workers across sectors.
Addressing the rally, AITUC Goa General Secretary Christopher Fonseca underscored the urgent need for the State to acknowledge and address the concerns of the working class.
“Our demand is that the government should accept the demands of the workers. They want freedom and their rights,” Fonseca said.
He criticised the continued extension of the Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA), demanding its repeal. “Minimum wages should be at least Rs 1000. Atrocities on farmers and workers should stop. Recommendations of the M S Swaminathan Committee on minimum support price for agricultural products should be implemented. Public sector companies should be protected,” Fonseca stated.
AITUC leader Adv Suhaas Naik also addressed the gathering, calling for the repeal of the four new labour codes, which he termed “anti-labour.”
“The government has not extended the benefits of the 7th Pay Commission to the workers yet. This should be extended. Panchayat employees should be given payment as per the government pay scale. Services of those working with the PWD Labour Supply Society should be regularised. Minimum pension should be Rs 10,000. Ceiling on bonus and provident fund should be removed,” he said.
He further alleged that pharmaceutical companies were terminating employees without conducting inquiries and accused the government of shielding such actions.
“Today, minimum wage is Rs 407 only. What can a worker get with this amount of money for himself and his family? That is why our demand is that minimum wage of a worker should be at least Rs 1000 per day,” Naik said.
The rally concluded with a renewed call to the State government to engage meaningfully with workers' unions and implement the demands laid out in the Charter.
CM urges labour unions
to avoid protests and
engage in dialogue
PANJIM: Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has appealed to trade unions in Goa to refrain from staging protests and instead engage in peaceful dialogue with the government to resolve their issues.
Speaking on Thursday during a function to present the Shram Gaurav awards, Sawant emphasised the government’s readiness to address the genuine concerns of the working class.
“We are always open to discussions and are committed to finding solutions that benefit the working class. Rather than engaging in protests, I encourage labour unions to sit down with the government and address their concerns in a peaceful and constructive manner,” the Chief Minister stated.
He assured that the rights and welfare of workers remain a top priority for his administration. “I wish to tell all the workers that there is no need to hold agitations as government is ready to talk to them and give the rights of the workers. Our government is committed to work for Vikasit Goa (Developed Goa) by 2047,” he added.
Highlighting the vital role of workers in the economy, Sawant pointed out that 50 per cent of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is generated by the working class. He further stated that the government’s goal is to ensure there is no exploitation of workers and that all legitimate grievances are addressed in a timely and effective manner.