Brick-kiln workers to launch stir

• Demand better conditions and welfare schemes

• Over 2 lakh workers in the State; 40,000 in RR district

Hyderabad: The brick-kiln workers on Sunday decided to go on a strike in February if their demands were not met by the authorities and employers. Around 250 workers assembled at the Dundigal Bus stand to vent their feelings at a meeting organised by Brick-Kiln Workers Union of Ranga Reddy district, Telangana Praja Front (TPF), Indian Federation of Trade Union (IFTU), solidarity committee for brick-kiln workers of Andhra Pradesh.

The brick-kiln owners had promised the workers last year that they would increase the wages on par with minimum wage regulations and provide better living conditions but have gone back on their promise.

Thousands of workers from Bolangir, Titlaghar, Kalahandi and other places in Odisha reach Hyderabad from November to work at brick kilns every year. And after six months they go back to their native state. In the interim period the families work in conditions similar to bonded labour.

Bhubana Thandi, a worker said, “We were hoping that the conditions would improve this year but it is even worse.”

Moreover, when the brick-kiln owners got wind of the news that a public meeting was to be organised they stopped payment.

It is the practice to pay Rs 200 a week for each family to purchase vegetables. Madhu Mehar, a worker said, “The owners stopped payment so that workers do not attend the meeting.”

U Praveen of IFTU said, “The Child Rights Act should be implemented. The migrant workers also have a right to get the minimum facilities.” Last year several meetings were held and representation was made to the Labour Commissioner to implement the minimum wage of Rs 369 for 1,000 bricks but the workers are still paid Rs 200-250 for the same.