Rallies were held in all major Indian cities to celebrate International Labour Day.

In New Delhi, the Indian National Trade Union Congress (INTUC) President Sanjeeva Reddy embraced Gandhi’s philosophy in the changes caused by globalisation and economic and trade liberalisation and urged the working class to take more responsibility for themselves.

He said that the first wave of policy reforms had brought about substantial redundancies in the organised sector and the second wave of reforms is aimed at dismantling the public sector and transferring assets at give-away prices to the business community.

The government’s budget was condemned for amending labour laws to the detriment of workers. This budget will take away protection for workers giving employers freedom to hire and fire without consultation.

Removal of restrictions for the small scale business sector and unregulated imports have adversely affected the Indian market.

As less labour protection will be available, workers must unite to combat these adversities.

On the occasion of May Day the President extended sincere greetings to every worker, and called for everlasting trade union unity.