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THE CITU West Bengal President, Mr Shyamal Chakrabarty, announcing the launch of the IT Association at Salt Lake on Tuesday. - Sushanta Patronobish

Kolkata , Nov 14

The first association of employees in West Bengal's IT sector was launched on Tuesday.

"Unions do not mean strikes; they ensure workers their rightful dues and also see to it that industry grows," said Mr Shyamal Chakravarty, President of the State CITU unit, at the launch of the West Bengal Information Technology Services Association (WBITSA).

"There are two categories of employers in the IT sector - those who abide by labour laws and those who violate them. The association will request the former to prevail on the latter; it is the latter that is out to create a confrontation between the unions and the managements," he added.

"The IT sector in the State is new, so is the union. The sector in both its forms - organised and unorganised - is spreading and now employs 40,000-50,000 workers. Today is just a start; the IT sector will grow and the association will be strengthened."

The WBITSA, which has been set up under the tutelage of the CITU, will take up the cause of those employees who are being denied not just their rights.

"There is need for discussions (with the managements) about their welfare, so that the management can attend not just to requirements of security and transport of the employees but also take steps like providing crèche facilities in instances where both the parents are employed," Mr Chakravarty said.

There are several IT companies waiting to set foot in the State, according to him.

"Along with the State Government, we welcome this situation where the State finds itself in the crest of an IT wave with the promise of creating job opportunities for lakhs of people."

He was critical of employers in the IT sector who had scant regard for basic labour laws.

"No appointment letters are issued to workers, they are denied PF and ESI. Some units also engage contractors to provide them. Employees are thrown out of their jobs without cause or notice. The association will provide such companies a list of irregularities," Mr Chakravarty said.

More Stories on : Trade & Labour Unions | Software | West Bengal

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