All India Shramik Samman Yatra concludes, seeks fair wages, social protection for informal workers

By A Representative 

Hundreds of informal workers from across India gathered at Jantar Mantar today to mark the culmination of the All India Shramik Samman Yatra, a month-long movement organized by the Working People’s Coalition (WPC). The Yatra, which started on January 24, traveled through various states, mobilizing workers and raising awareness about their demands.

The delegation submitted a memorandum to the Prime Minister's Office, outlining urgent demands, including:

- A Shramik Samman Nidhi of Rs. 5000 per month for all informal workers.

- A minimum wage of Rs. 26,000 per month, linked to the real cost of living.

- Occupational safety and health standards for workers in all sectors.

- Expansion of ESI and EPF benefits to all informal workers.

- Protection against forced evictions for street vendors and fisherfolk.

- Abolition of the contract labour system for permanent work.

- Dignified recognition and rights for gig workers, waste pickers, domestic workers, and bar workers.

- Stronger protections against sexual harassment, and childcare support for women workers.

- Legislation for informal workers, ensuring collective bargaining rights and the portability of government schemes.

The gathering saw strong participation from workers across different sectors, including street vendors, gig workers, factory workers, waste pickers, construction workers, and head loaders.

Addressing the rally, Mr. Rajendra Sharma called for India to become a global leader in occupational safety for informal workers. Brother Varghese from Hyderabad emphasized the need for comprehensive social protection and pension rights for workers. Mr. Prakash Kumar demanded a Shramik Mandhan (workers’ pension) of Rs. 5000 per month and 200 days of employment security under MNREGA. Mr. HS Rawat highlighted the urgent need to survey all street vendors and ensure fair shop allocation in vending zones.

Speakers also included Shaikh Akbar Ali (Delhi) and Krishna (Bangalore), who urged the government to integrate waste pickers into formal waste management programs. Mr. Shakeelur Rasool and Mr. Dharmendra Kumar stressed the need for urgent government intervention to secure the rights of India's 55 crore informal workers, who make up 90% of the workforce.

The Working People’s Coalition (WPC), an independent network supporting informal workers across 14 states, vowed to continue advocating for policy changes and mobilizing support for workers’ rights.

As India’s economy grows, the voices of its informal workforce grow louder, demanding justice, fair wages, and dignity in the workplace. The ball is now in the government’s court to address these pressing concerns.