THE Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) submitted a memorandum to Karnataka chief minister S Siddaramaiah on August 22, regarding the Karnataka Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Backward Classes (Reservation of Appointments (Amendment) Act, 2024. While the CITU acknowledges the positive aspects of the amendment, which includes provisions for reservations for SC, ST, and OBC candidates in outsourced jobs within government departments and public sector undertakings (PSUs), it has expressed significant concerns over a specific proviso in the legislation.

THE general council of CITU, which met in Kolkata from August 9-11, gave a clarion call to the working class of the country to prepare for immediate, strong, countrywide class action whenever the labour codes are notified. The general council meeting also urged the working class of India to actively participate in a month-long nationwide campaign in September on common issues and demands of contract and non-permanent workers.

IN the wake of severe flooding caused by heavy rainfall in Bharuch district in Gujarat, the low-lying areas have been inundated with water, leaving residents stranded and in dire need of assistance. Amid this crisis, a remarkable act of selflessness and community spirit emerged from Ankleshwar.Bhumi Ben Parmar, an anganwadi helper and a dedicated member of the Gujarat Anganwadi Workers' Union, affiliated to the CITU, took it upon herself to provide relief to her fellow residents. With homes submerged and essential services disrupted, Bhumi Ben Parmar demonstrated extraordinary compassion.

NEARLY two lakh anganwadi workers and helpers across 28 states participated in demonstrations on July 10, observing Demands Day at the call of the All India Federation of Anganwadi Workers and Helpers (AIFAWH). Every year, AIFAWH marks July 10 as All India Demands Day. This year, the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) called for demonstrations at various levels on the same day to highlight the basic and immediate demands of the working class, including scheme workers. In many locations, anganwadi unions synchronised their demonstrations with the CITU programme.

The central trade unions – INTUC, AITUC, HMS, CITU, AIUTUC, TUCC, SEWA, AICCTU, LPF, UTUC, and various sectoral federations and associations have jointly addressed a letter to the minister of finance, Government of India, on June 24, outlining their viewpoints on the issues to be considered for framing the budget for the year 2024-2025.