About 600 workers arrested

At least 600 construction workers, affiliated to AITUC Construction workers union, were arrested today, when they attempted to stage a picketing in front of the office of district welfare officer in Ramanathapuram here.
The workers, led by State deputy general secretary, N Selvaraj and State secretary, R Balakrishnan, alleged that the board, constituted in 1994, failed to implement various welfare measures as announced.
Claiming that the board had assured to regularise the construction workers besides benefits like ESI and Provident Funds, among others, Selvaraj alleged that instead of implementing them, government was attempting to abolish the board.
The workers raised slogans in support of their demands, like pension of Rs 5,000 per month and marriage assistance of Rs one lakh.