CPI(M) asks Centre to review its "anti-worker" policies

The farmers' arm of CPI(M) today asked the Centre to review and change its "pro-corporate" policies by taking "lessons" from the recent All India strike called by trade unions.
The All India Kisan Sabha (AIKS) claimed the September 2 strike was a "timely action that exposed anti-worker and peasant" character of the Narendra Modi Government, giving "tremendous" confidence to the people to fight back.
"AIKS urges NDA Government to review and change its pro-corporate policies by taking lessons from the historic All India strike of the workers supported by the peasantry," AIKS said in a statement.
It said the strike was visible across the country as it "paralysed" mass transport system in metros and rural areas after farmers and agricultural workers joined labourers in the protest.

Several farmers' organisations had taken part in the agitation to express dissent against Centre's land acquisition Ordinance.
AIKS claimed its agitation against the Ordinance had forced the Government to not re-promulgate the same after it lapsed on August 31.

The unions had called the day-long strike to protest changes in labour laws and privatisation of PSUs.
Their 12-point charter of demands included urgent measures to contain price rise, contain unemployment, strict enforcement of basic labour laws, universal social security cover for all workers and minimum wage of Rs 15,000 per month.
They also demanded enhanced pension for workers, removal of ceiling on bonus and provident fund, compulsory registration of trade unions within 45 days, no unilateral amendments to labour laws, stopping of FDI in railways, defence etc.