CITU complains to ILO on anganwadi layoffs. Its general secretary says retrenchments are a gross violation of the workers’ fundamental rights

Fight for survival: Anganwadi workers protesting in Haryana demanding an increase in honorarium. file photo Special Arrangement

The Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) has approached the International Labour Organisation (ILO) against the Haryana and Delhi governments for retrenching 975 and 991 anganwadi workers, respectively, for striking work demanding an increase in honorarium.

CITU general secretary Tapan Sen said in his complaint to Maria Helena Andre, Director, Bureau for Workers Activities (ACTRAV) of the ILO, that the retrenchments had taken place “under knowledge and instigation” by the Centre.

Mr. Sen argued that the retrenchments were a gross violation of several principles of fundamental rights of the workers as enshrined in ILO Conventions, ILO recommendations and declarations.

Ignored observation

He said the governments also ignored the observation of Committee on Freedom of Association that the final decision concerning illegality of strikes should not be made by the government, especially in those cases in which the government is a party to the dispute.

When contacted, Delhi State Women and Child Development Minister Kailash Gehlot declined to comment and said the matter is sub judice. The anganwadi workers had approached the Delhi High Court against the retrenchments.

Mr. Sen said these workers had worked in the frontline during the COVID-19 pandemic situation, in coordination with the health departments concerned, without any additional wages or risk allowance, despite their service being duly acknowledged by the government.

“These workers are paid wages termed as ‘honorarium’ which is far less than the minimum wages of the country. The last increase in remuneration was made in 2018 by the Government of India. But several State governments including the States of Delhi and Haryana did not implement this increase,” the complaint said, adding that workers went on strike as the last resort after duly serving strike notice.

“The Haryana government has terminated 975 anganwadi workers, all of them leaders of the trade union,” Mr. Sen said.

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