People's Democracy

DUJ Delegation Meets Delhi Labour Minister

ON November 6, 2012, a delegation of the Delhi Union of Journalists (DUJ) met Dr A K Walia, minister for labour in Delhi government, to demand justice for journalists and other newspaper employees in the city.

The delegation drew the Minister’s attention to non-implementation of the Wage Board Award and various pending labour disputes including cases of victimisation of employees. It asked for immediate setting-up of a tripartite labour machinery to ensure implementation of the Wage Board Award. It also asked for institution of a mechanism to deal with unfair labour practices in the media and other industries.

According to a press release issued by DUJ general secretary S K Pande, other demands raised with Delhi government included the issue of extending pension benefits and providing free health services to journalists. The DUJ also suggested the setting-up of a Delhi Media Council for redressal of grievances as well as a Delhi Media Commission on the status of the media industry today. The delegation comprised DUJ president Sujata Madhok, general secretary S K Pande and vice president Dinesh Chandra. Other members included Dobhal, Buddhi Ballabh and Arvind Upreti (member of IJU National Council and president of the Indian Express Employees Union).

Dr Walia assured the DUJ team that he would examine these demands and take action accordingly. He also said that he would examine the question of starvation deaths in the newspaper industry in the capital once he received more details. An 11 point charter was placed before him with some examples from the states.

Earlier in the day, office bearers of the DUJ met and discussed the charter of demands to be placed before various authorities in Delhi and at the central level. They also expressed concern about the sufferings of journalist Mohd Kazmi’s family.