Kundapura
The Karnataka government’s recent announcement granting women workers one day of menstrual leave per month marks a significant triumph for the CITU, which had long demanded this provision. CITU State Secretary K. Mahantesh called it a “hard-earned victory” during the 25th annual general meeting of the Udupi District Handloom Workers’ Union held at the Henchu Labor Bhavan on Sunday.
Mahantesh emphasized other key worker demands, including raising the minimum wage to ₹35,000, maintaining an 8-hour workday, and ensuring safety measures at workplaces. He also highlighted the need to address declining labor participation in production while owners’ profits increase, and called for justice for murders that occurred in Dharmasthala.
The general body resolved to push the government for better facilities at ESI hospitals with permanent doctors, expand PF income limits, and implement the draft minimum wage order issued by the state.
The meeting, presided over by Union President V. Narasimha, featured the presentation of the annual activity and financial report by General Secretary H. Narasimha, which was discussed and approved by the members.
Elections for new office bearers were conducted, with V. Narasimha re-elected as President, H. Narasimha as Secretary, and Prakash Koni as Treasurer. Nine other members were elected to the executive committee. Leaders such as Chandrashekhar V., Suresh Kallagar, K. Shankar, and Mahabal Vaderahobli attended and addressed the gathering, emphasizing the ongoing struggle for workers’ rights and welfare.
