Expressing grave concern over the long-standing exploitation of contract and gig workers, the Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS) has announced plans to intensify its agitation across the country to safeguard the rights and interests of the labour force. Speaking to The Hitavada during his five-day tour of the Vidarbha region, BMS Vice President Pawan Kumar revealed that the trade union is preparing for a major push to demand immediate policy changes. The union leadership plans to deliberate at length and decide its future roadmap during a critical two-day national meeting scheduled to take place in Baroda, Gujarat, on November 25 and 26. According to Pawan Kumar, senior office-bearers from across the nation will gather in Baroda to finalise their future line of action for the ongoing agitation.

 

The labour leader issued a strong warning that if the Government fails to address these critical labour issues promptly, the union will step up its opposition and take its fight directly to the streets. Emphasizing that the union has decided to take the fight to the next level, he made it clear that the BMS will not hesitate to launch large-scale public demonstrations if official action remains unresponsive to the plight of vulnerable workers. Sharply criticising current employment practices, the BMS Vice President described the contract worker system as a dangerous tool in the hands of management to exploit workers. Kumar noted that contractual hiring has become one of the easiest routes for companies and organisations to employ workers at excessively low salaries without offering job security or long-term benefits. Calling for an immediate halt to this system, he demanded that contract workers should be regularised and provided permanent jobs with fair remuneration and full social security protection.

 

Turning his attention to the rapidly expanding gig economy, Kumar highlighted that while the number of gig workers is growing at a rapid pace across various sectors, these individuals are routinely denied even the most basic workplace facilities and labour rights. He strongly condemned this trend, questioning the reality of national progress under such conditions. He said that India cannot reasonably dream of achieving a ‘Viksit Bharat’ when a significant portion of its workforce is deprived of fundamental entitlements, including minimum wage protection. To mobilize support and build awareness regarding these pressing labour concerns, the BMS has actively engaged with its members across various organisations. During his five-day regional tour of Vidarbha, Kumar conducted extensive meetings with office-bearers, grassroots union leaders, and trade union members in Nagpur, Gondia, and Chandrapur to ensure the workforce is unified and prepared for the upcoming nationwide campaign.