Protect Workers from Heat Wave and Rising Incidents of Factory Fires
AICCTU, Delhi unit has called for immediate measures from the Government of NCT of Delhi including the Office of the LG and Chief Minister to protect the workers amidst the heat wave and rising incidents of factory fires in Delhi. In a recent incident, three workers were killed after a massive fire in Delhi’s Narela industrial area on June 8. According to reports, the workers were employed in a cramped-up food processing unit where they were forced to work in a 12-hour shift without any protection or safety measures. Another major fire incident occurred in a chemical factory in Delhi's Bawana area on May 12, where seven workers were injured.
AICCTU, Delhi state secretary Abhishek said that Delhi’s industrial areas are synonymous to massive exploitation of workers, who are forced to work for long hours and without any minimum wages or proper safety measures. Despite being the capital city, the government, including the LG of Delhi has turned a blind eye towards the gross violation of workers safety and labour laws. AICCTU demands immediate measures to reduce work hours to deal with the heatwave, with full wages and implementation for strict safety measures in all industrial, construction and informal sectors. The government must also ensure proper compensation for workers who have died of heatstroke and factory fire.
The recurring heat waves in Delhi, with temperatures touching around the 50 degree Celsius mark has worsened the condition of workers.
In a charter of demands issued by the union, the AICCTU calls for:
Immediate steps are taken to reduce work hours to 6 hours without any reduction in payment. Provide additional breaks whenever needed, for resting and recuperating from the heat.
For workers in essential services such as DTC, Jal Board and hospital workers, a summer allowance of Rs 10,000 should be given.
Workers must not be asked to work between 12 noon to 4pm.
Provide cold water, ORS, other hydrating materials along with sun protection equipment such fans, coolers, summer caps and sheds for resting.
Relief camps must be set up at every construction site, work place and working-class slums to provide at least primary health relief in case of illness.
An inspection team should be constituted to look over the provision of relief at every construction site and work place. The team should be constituted of officers from the labour and health department along with medical professionals and trade union organisers.
Construction of sheds for street vendors should be guaranteed along with access to water.
Restrooms, water and other relief measures should be provided to delivery workers.
Strict implementation of provisions of Factories Act, 1948 for workplace safety must be ensured along with punitive action against employers who violate it.
Urgent steps must be taken to stop the series of factory fires in the city and not a single worker must be allowed to become the victim anymore.
All workers working during this disastrous heat wave must be given Rs 5,000 as summer allowance.
The government must immediately convene a meeting with all trade unions regarding the issue.
The union noted that the lax attitude by the Central and state government on the issue is claiming lives of the workers. AICCTU also noted that it will intensify the movement to ensure that immediate measures are taken by the government to address the issue.
