Rally by Mid-day Meal Workers at Kolkata
AT the call of 'All Bengal Sangrami Mid-day-meal workers' Union, a protest rally & demonstration was held at Sealdah station, Kolkata where hundreds of mid day meal workers assembled to protest against their deplorable conditions on 26 September, 2018. On this day, the state unit of BJP called a 12 hour state wide bandh against the killing of 2 students at Islampur in police firing but this demand gradually receded in the background and the communal slogan of urdu vs bengali came to the forefront.
The decision of organising a demonstration of mid day meal workers at state level was taken a month ago and leaflets, posters were published. As the campaign picked up, wide enthusiasm was witnessed among the mid day meal workers and in some new pockets they spontaneously came forward, enrolled their membership, formed new units, disseminated the propaganda and a new initiative was witnessed in many places. Though the sudden call of BJP's bandh on 26th initially created some confusion but AICCTU Leadership was firm to hold the demonstration on that day, come what may. As the propaganda gathered steam, the TMC people also started to foil this initiative in a number of places and after the bandh call by BJP, the administration issued directives to ensure the presence of all MDM workers in the schools. However, despite all these odds and disruptions, MDM workers assembled enthusiastically, foiling the bandh call by BJP and the demonstration generated new fighting spirit among the MDM workers.
The main demands were Rs. 18,000 minimum wages, to implement the recommendations of 42nd national labour commission, recognition of mid day meal workers as workers, to provide social security, PF-ESI, bonus during festivals, and other demands. AICCTU and AIPWA leaders addressed the meeting and it was resolved that the leadership of the union shall meet the education minister on October 1, and submit the charter of demands. The meeting was presided over by Com. Mina Pal, President of the union.
