CITU condemns lathi charge on Gangavaram port workers

VISAKHAPATNAM: Vice president of Centre of Indian Trade Unions (Citu) Vizag District Gani Shetty denounced the use of baton charge against the workers of Gangavaram port.

A statement was released by Citu on Friday expressing concerns. On Thursday, a massive gathering of Gangavaram Port Employees Union, along with various All-Party Trade Unions and political parties, convened to demand wage increases and resolution of worker-related issues. Unfortunately, the situation escalated and the police resorted to a lathi charge.

Citu has vociferously criticised the management of Gangavaram port, asserting that it displays an anti-worker stance and lacks tolerance for workers' rights. The organisation went on to highlight that 29 workers have been unjustly suspended from their duties.

Gani Shetty emphasized the importance of upholding the Trade Union Act of 1926, stating that the port management's actions were inconsistent with its principles.

He further pointed out that despite the remarkable efforts of the workers contributing to Adani Gangavaram port management's net profit of Rs700 crore last year, there has been no implementation of minimum wage standards for the workforce. The workers of Gangavaram port are demanding minimum wages ranging from Rs22,000 to 36,000 and the immediate reinstatement of the 29 dismissed workers.