RSS affiliated union to launch stir against changes in labour law, FDI

The BMS, considered as the trade wing of the RSS, has convened a meeting of leaders of all trade unions on September 15. “We oppose the way the government has brought in the labour law amendments. Despite promises by the government, there was no consultation with any stake holders,” said Vrijesh Upadhyay, general secretary, BMS.

Representatives of 11 organisations including the BMS, Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU), All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC) and Indian National Trade Union (INTUC) — together representing over 10 crore workers — will meet in the national capital to chalk out an action plan.

The Factories (Amendment) Bill, 2014 and the Apprentices (Amendment) Bill 2014 were introduced by Labour Minister Narendra Singh Tomar during the recently concluded budget session. The proposed changes in the laws would enable a doubling of the overtime limit for workers, exemption for firms employing up to 40 workers from compliance of labour regulations and allow more trades to be included under the Apprenticeship Act.

The BMS has also sought a white paper on FDI revealing the foreign investment that happened after the central government relaxed laws for the foreign infusion of money in retail and other sectors. “The party (BJP) was against the move when it was in opposition. The government should clarify how much investment has taken place and how much money has been taken out of this country by those investors,” Upadhyay said.

Meanwhile, BJP spokesp-erson GVL Narasimha Rao said: “As far as I know, there are no talks scheduled with the BMS leaders.”