Sun Aug 31 16:26:59 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a news article summarizing the provided text, presented in a journalistic style:
**The Hindu: Madurai CITU Conference Demands Worker Rights, Condemns Privatization**
**Madurai, August 31, 2025:** The Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) Madurai district conference concluded Sunday with a series of resolutions aimed at improving the lives and working conditions of laborers across various sectors. Key demands included making co-operative society worker positions permanent, implementing the old pension scheme for transport employees, and halting the privatization of municipal services.
The conference, attended by senior CITU leader A.K. Padmanabhan, underscored the urgent need to protect workers’ rights and stand against perceived injustices, both domestically and globally. Padmanabhan highlighted issues such as the impact of international conflicts and trade policies on the working class, urging workers to leverage digital tools to speak out against oppression.
The resolutions specifically called for permanent employment for temporary workers in co-operative societies, including those who have worked for extended periods or on deputation. For Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation employees who joined after April 1, 2003, the CITU demanded the immediate reinstatement of the old pension scheme, following prolonged protests.
A strong stance was taken against the privatization of municipal works, with the conference demanding the cancellation of government orders that facilitate outsourcing in city corporations, municipalities, and town panchayats.
The CITU also addressed the Construction Workers Welfare Board, insisting its funds be used solely for the benefit of workers. Demands included a monthly pension of ₹3,000, pension eligibility for women after age 55, marriage assistance of ₹50,000, and accident death assistance of ₹10 lakhs. The conference also advocated for establishing hospitals in every district to provide quality treatment to construction workers.
Furthermore, the resolution pushed for regulating working hours to a maximum of eight hours per day, with penalties for employers who violate this rule. Inclusion in ESI and PF schemes for all workers was also stressed.
The conference also condemned the harassment of street vendors and auto drivers by corporations and police, highlighting instances of businesses being disrupted and properties damaged without prior notice.
Padmanabhan, in his address, emphasized the broader role of the CITU, urging members to address issues impacting all of humankind. He criticized what he described as a “path of deterioration” in India’s stance on global freedom, noting the country’s historical role in supporting liberation movements around the world.
The conference concluded with the election of M. Balasubramanian as district president, R. Lenin as secretary, and J. Lourde Ruby as treasurer. The event coincided with September 1, a day dedicated to opposing imperialism and fascism.
First Piper 