IT & ITES employees demands for the phase-2 of covid lockdown.
The Union of IT and ITES Employees (UNITE) is a registered trade union for the IT and ITES employees, working in Tamil Nadu. The Union was started with the aim of installing democracy in the workspace. At the outset, UNITE extends it’s solidarity to the people of the world and the country, especially the workers.
The synchronised and sustained worsening of the global and the national economy followed by the covid-19 pandemic has increased the hardships of the working population many fold.
As of today, the IT and ITES employees have laboured through 25 days of intense workload, stress, fear of job cuts and an uncertain future amidst the lockdown.
To mitigate the economic hardships faced by the people, on 20th March 2020, Ministry of Labour & Employment – Government of India had clearly advised Employers against employee termination and wage reduction. Again on 29th March, The Government of India vide order No. 40-3/2020-DM-I(A) of Home Secretary, GOI had issued additional directions under Section 10(2)(i) of the Disaster Management Act 2005, which clearly directed Employers to pay the workers their full wages albeit the closure of their establishments during the lockdown.
As we all are aware the GOIs directions are flouted openly and widely. In this context, we put forth the following demands to the Union and the State Governments,
1) Enforce the instructions of MHA, ML&E and ensure no job cuts, no pay cuts, no increment cuts and no leave adjustments during or following this lock down period. Take strict action against companies violating the instructions.
2) As active cases are continuing to climb and there is no scientific assessment or SOPs available towards running closed, centrally cooled office spaces, we find the exception given to the IT and ITES companies to run with upto 50% of workforce irrational, revoke it. Companies can continue in the WFH mode; further it is claimed to be of similar productivity by some companies.(like TCS).
3) Setup a helpline to handle employees concerns and address them immediately.
Any affected employees can contact us for immediate support. Educating ourselves on labour laws, trade union and organizing as an organization is the long term solution for unethical transfering of the risks on employees.
To support the above demands, we call upon the IT and ITES employees to show their dissent. On 21st April, between 10:30 am and 10:40 am, demonstrate your dissent against the employers and the government’s inadequacy by taking a photo with a self made placard containing above demands while working from home and share it on social media.
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Executive Committee