Miners take out a procession before the start of their convention in Sandur, Ballari district. | Photo credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
A convention of mining workers associated with the Composite Mine Workers Union, which is affiliated to the All India United Trade Union Center (AIUTUC), was held at Ambedkar Bhavan in Sandur in Ballari district recently.
The event was preceded by a rally from APMC Yard to the convention site during which hundreds of mine workers marched with slogans demanding job security and better working conditions.
The convention called for key demands, including continuity of employment for existing mine workers even if contractors change, preference for local candidates for permanent jobs, and enforcement of all statutory employment benefits.
Addressing the convention as the keynote speaker, J Composite Mine Workers Union President and AIUTUC State President K. Somashekar said that mine workers are creating huge wealth through their work but continue to live in harsh conditions.
“Mining companies treat workers as expendable. Even the National Mineral Development Corporation (NMDC) Limited, despite being a central government enterprise, exploits workers under the guise of contract and outsourced work. Once the contractor’s tenure ends, workers are left in limbo and NMDC in no way guarantees job security,” he said.
He added that the families who lost their land and health due to mining were still not provided with permanent employment.
“The state government must enact a law to protect mine workers. But whichever party comes to power, governments stand behind corporate interests and not labour. The new labor laws introduced by the Center are aimed at suppressing workers’ rights. In such a situation, mine workers must unite and intensify their struggle,” Somashekar said.
Speaking at the event, AIUTUC State Secretary Somashekar Yadgir said that employers and governments are constantly making efforts to break the unity of workers through political and social division.
“Caste, religion and language are being used to derail labor movements. Workers must defeat these divisive tactics and strengthen their unity,” he said.
AIUTUC District Secretary Pramod, Union Secretary Somashekar Gowda and Union Vice-President A. Devadas also addressed the rally.
The Holgesh artists, Babu, Santos, Ambir, Ambir, Badonah and Karretsh, were to predict.
At the convention, two resolutions were passed on labor matters and an organizational report on ongoing struggles was presented.
At the end of the event, a new committee was elected. K. Somashekar was selected as President, A. Devadas as Working President and Pramod as General Secretary along with other office bearers.
Published – 23 Nov 2025 19:26 IST
