Load workers present demands

CHENNAI : The Chennai Metro Load Workers Union held a protest outside the Collectorate on Monday, demanding implementation of the norms of the International Labour Organisation, and asking for an increase in salary to `100 per tonne. They urged the government to follow the example of Kerala in implementing the norms, and said the tax from government warehouses, TASMAC and other bodies could be used to start a welfare society for the load workers.Functionaries of the union said load workers did not get paid for their efforts. The current salary for a load worker is `58 per tonne. This, he said, is the state of affairs at a time when the ILO has stipulated that the maximum load capacity be 55 kg. Chennai Metro Load Workers Union president C Thiruvettai noted that load workers had no benefits such as Provident Fund (PF), Employee State Insurance (ESI) or gratuity. Load workers who took part in the protest expressed hope that the situation would change soon, and their salaries be brought in line with ILO norms.“Load workers have a dangerous life, pulling carts or carrying heavy sacks on their back, which sometimes results in injury or even death. There is a need for the ESI scheme and pension plans that will benefit the family of the workers after their death,” said L Ramu, secretary of Concor India.