Shadow Correspondent
JAMMU, MAY 22:
After several requests from its member today President of All J&K Oil Tankers Drivers and Cleaners Union today convened a special meeting wherein all the members unanimously resolved to request the J & K State Government, Government owned Oil Companies and owners of Oil Tankers to ensure proper implementation of Minimum Wages Act 1948 and also for following the directions issued by the J & K Govt under SRO 460 in 2017 wherein the labours has been classified in different categories and minimum certain amount is fixed for them.
The members of the Drivers and Cleaners union have demanded for implementation of labour welfare laws for drivers and cleaners also.
The president of the union informed that as per SRO 460 issued on 26 Oct 2017, the drivers has been put in the category of Skilled and Highly skilled category therefore they are entitled for the minimum wage of Rs. 350 to 400 per Day alongwith other benefits.
The union president said, Drivers carrying petroleum products even do not care for their lives for ensuring timely delivery of this essential product even to the remotest and difficult areas of the state but it is so unfortunate that instead of any appreciation they are not even paid the minimum wages they deserve. He said exploitation of drivers cannot be tolerated anymore as some drivers are being pad Rs 3000 to 5000 per month and under ptesent hiked inflation it is impossible to survive on this meagre amount.
The Union president said that if their demands are not met then in days to come, under compulsion they may have to take the steps that may not be helpful for anyone. The senior members of the union, besides dozens of drivers who attended the meeting include Harasis Singh , Sohan Singh , R.K Sharma, Surinder Singh, Rajkumar and Devinder Singh.
