Construction workers set nationwide protest for Nov 16, Udupi to host local rally
On November 16, construction labourers across India will stage coordinated protests, with a major gathering scheduled in Udupi district at the Deputy Commissioner's office at 10:30 a.m. The demonstration is organised by the Construction Workers Federation of India (CWFI) and involves thousands of workers from every taluk in the district.
The CWFI has framed the action as a fight to restore legal safeguards that were removed when the central government introduced four new labour codes. Central to the agenda is the reinstatement of the 1996 Building and Other Construction Workers (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Act and the associated Cess Act, both of which were repealed.
Beyond legislation, the federation seeks protection for the Building Workers Welfare Boards and the massive corpus of funds they hold. It also demands that pending educational assistance in Karnataka be disbursed promptly, with the assistance amount raised. The workers request that the monthly pension be increased to Rs. 5,000, and they call for a probe into alleged corruption in so‑called medical check‑ups. Additionally, the CWFI urges the abandonment of costly skill‑development centres and residential school construction projects, and it asks for the cancellation of contract‑based private agency labour service centres that have been set up to implement welfare schemes.
In Udupi, the protest will also highlight region‑specific grievances such as sand mining issues and the so‑called “9/11” matter, which have long troubled local construction sites. The rally will begin at 10:30 a.m. in front of the Deputy Commissioner's office, providing a visible platform for workers to voice their concerns to authorities.
The Udupi District Coordination Committee of Building and Other Construction Workers' Unions confirmed that representatives from all taluks will take part, signalling a unified front that could pressure the government to reconsider the recent labour reforms.
Image: varthabharati.in
📰 Source: Vartha Bharati Udupi
