Agartala: Feb 10: The Tripura Brick Kiln Workers’ Union on Monday submitted a 9-point charter of demands to the Labour Commissioner, seeking urgent action to address the challenges faced by brick kiln workers. General Secretary Tapan Das, during a press conference, highlighted the pressing issues and stressed the need for immediate government intervention.
The union’s demands include a 10% hike in wages for workers this year and the construction of permanent housing for those currently living in temporary accommodations. They also called for the provision of essential facilities such as clean drinking water, proper sanitation, medical aid, cooking fuel, and electricity in workers’ quarters. Ensuring social security benefits for all workers, particularly women, and granting paid maternity leave were also emphasized.
Other key demands include timely wage disbursement based on daily work records, educational facilities for the children of migrant workers, and comprehensive infrastructure development in brick kiln areas. Additionally, the union urged the government to conduct regular inspections of brick kilns to address operational and safety issues.
Tapan Das stated, “These demands are crucial to ensuring the basic rights and dignity of workers who play a significant role in the state’s economy.” The union has appealed to the state government to act swiftly, cautioning that a lack of response might lead to intensified protests.