113th ILC: Members of the Indian Workers Delegation actively making interventions in different committees
New Delhi : There are four committees: Platform Economy, Biological Hazards, Informality, and Application of Standards. In the Committee on the Platform Economy, the majority of countries support the Convention; the Workers Group Chairman is lobbying for it. However, employers and Government Groups are staunchly opposing the Convention. The WG has been frustrated not being able to convince the other groups.
Sri K. Somasekhar of the Indian delegation advised against losing patience and to fight until the goal was achieved. He narrated the Indian experience of Organising delivery workers under the United Delivery Workers Platform and achieved his aim. Ultimately, the regional Government has brought legislation in the name of –the “Karnataka Platform-based Gig Workers (Social Security & Welfare) Bill 2024. There was great applause from the participants.
In the evening, a vote was held on whether we needed a Convention or a Recommendation. The Indian delegation wanted a Convention, as the Indian Government, both at the State and central levels, had already initiated many Welfare measures. In Favor of the Recommendation, 1064 votes were cast, and in Favor of the Convention, 1428 votes were cast. Ultimately, the house has adopted the Convention in favour of the Convention amidst serious objections from the Employers group.
In the Committee on Protection from Biological Hazards, Sri KN Umesh, CITU, spoke on the need to protect the interests of Workers from humans, Plants, animals and other types of hazards. A serious debate is going on in this committee. It is a tough time for India to bring a consensus, as the European Union and African Union have different perceptions. India has successfully handled the COVID-19 pandemic with the active cooperation of its workforce involvement.
In the Committee of Transition from Informality to Formality – Smt. Daswinder Kaur, AITUC, has highlighted the problems faced by Indian Migrant Workers who are working in various parts of the world. She also brought to the Chair’s attention, particularly the difficulties faced by Punjabi workers in Europe.
In the Committee on Application of Standards, Sri B. Surendran, BMS, had supported the Myanmar workers’ struggle against Military harassment of the Working Class. He also participated in Malaysian Trade Union Congress meetings and Nepal Workers’ meetings, extending solidarity.
