Trade unions must unite to counter anti-worker policies, says Elamaram Kareem

Elamaram Kareem, newly elected general secretary of the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU), outlines his vision for the trade union movement. He emphasizes strengthening CITU and opposing the four labor codes, viewing them as "anti-worker." The ten unions excluding the Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh have called a nationwide strike on February 12th to protest these codes. Kareem also highlights the need for organizing workers in the informal and gig economy and balancing industrial growth with worker protection. He stresses that CITU opposes privatization of public sector undertakings but supports collective action and unity among trade unions, including potential collaboration with other organizations like the BMS.