Sri Vijaya Puram: INTUC Federation National President Swaminath Jaiswal called for greater unity among trade unions and stronger collective representation of workers during a public meeting held at Ranchi Association Hall in Sri Vijaya Puram on September 26, 2026.

Addressing workers and union representatives, Jaiswal said the strength of workers depends on unity among trade unions and argued that issues concerning employees need to be taken collectively to the administration and, where necessary, to the national level.

He said the purpose of his visit was to understand workers' concerns in the Islands and strengthen their collective voice. Pasted text

Emphasis on Trade Union Unity

A major theme of Jaiswal's address was the need to overcome divisions among trade unions.

Referring to the history of the organisation, he spoke about the formation of the Indian National Trade Union Congress and its historical association with leaders including Mahatma Gandhi, Sardar Patel, Jawaharlal Nehru and Girdhari Lal Nanda. He also discussed what he described as organisational differences that have contributed to the weakening and fragmentation of trade union activities. Pasted text

Jaiswal urged workers and unions in Andaman & Nicobar to focus on common workers' concerns rather than internal differences.

Concerns Over Vacancies and Promotions

Jaiswal referred to issues raised by local representatives during the visit, including delayed promotions and vacancies in government departments.

He said workers' concerns had been taken up through representations involving different departments and questioned who would represent workers if trade unions were not strong and united. Pasted text

He also referred to employees who, according to him, have experienced long delays in receiving promotions and called for stronger collective action to address such issues. Pasted text

Workers’ Rights and Labour Laws

Jaiswal also spoke about labour legislation and workers' rights, arguing that trade unions need to remain active in protecting workers' interests.

He questioned whether workers could effectively raise their concerns without organised representation and called for trade unions to become a stronger platform for workers facing employment and workplace-related problems. Pasted text

He further argued that trade unions should not merely exist as organisations but should actively represent workers and take their concerns from the workplace to higher levels of government.

Employment and Outsourcing Concerns

The speech also addressed employment-related concerns, including the issue of vacancies and the increasing use of outsourcing.

Jaiswal linked stronger worker representation with the need to raise questions about unfilled posts and employment opportunities. He said the issues of local workers should be collectively presented before the administration. Pasted text

The wider INTUC Federation delegation had also raised concerns about outsourcing, recruitment, promotions and employee benefits during its programmes in the Islands.

Women’s Employment and Working Conditions

Jaiswal also spoke about women's employment, education and working conditions.

He expressed concern over what he described as difficulties faced by women workers and referred to employment opportunities, education and workplace conditions. He also highlighted concerns raised regarding workers in the PWD and other sectors, including working hours and promotions. Pasted text

Commitment to Take Island Issues to Delhi

Towards the end of his address, Jaiswal said he intended to take the concerns of workers in Andaman & Nicobar to Delhi.

He thanked the local organisers and workers for inviting him to the Islands and said the support of workers would enable him to represent their concerns at the national level. Pasted text

He later reiterated his appeal for unity and asked workers to remain connected with the local leadership and strengthen their collective voice. Pasted text

Key Issues Highlighted During the Address

  • Trade union unity and collective representation
  • Workers’ rights and labour laws
  • Vacant government posts
  • Delayed promotions
  • Employment opportunities
  • Outsourcing and working conditions
  • Women’s employment and workplace concerns
  • Representation of Island workers before the administration and at the national level

Editorial Note: This report is based on the public speech delivered by INTUC Federation National President Swaminath Jaiswal at the workers’ meeting. Statements, allegations and assessments concerning trade unions, government policies, employment, labour laws and other organisations are attributed to the speaker and do not necessarily represent the views of Dweep Tulika. The source transcript is automated and contains some unclear passages; the article avoids relying on uncertain wording where possible. Pasted text

Source: Dweep Tulika News — INTUC Federation Public Meeting, Ranchi Association Hall, Sri Vijaya Puram.