A joint delegation of nine central trade union organisations including Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh met Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh on September 17 to convey their concern over the issues of workers. The union leaders conveyed their concern over job-losses in the wake of recession, price-rise and fears of disinvestments. The leaders reiterated their plan to organise “all India protest day on October 28. After meeting the Prime Minister BMS general secretary Shri K Lakshma Reddy said the Prime Minister shared the unions’ concern over price rise and agreed that it was a serious problem for the common man. The unions suggested that the public distribution system could have special outlets for workers. He told the Prime Minister that hoarding was the major reason behind price rise. The union leaders also talked about the unilateral amendments in the EPF-linked pension scheme and requested the Prime Minister that the bailout packages should cover the workers’ interests also. The leaders also wanted that a fund be created for the unorganised workers who were totally without any social security. Earlier on September 14, a joint national convention was organised in New Delhi by BMS, INTUC, AITUC, HMS, CITU, AIUTUC, AICCTU and UTUC. (FOC)
