The Hindu Business Line : Changing face of trade unions in Kerala

THE Cochin Chamber of Commerce and Industry, in association with National Institute of Personnel Management, has organised a one-day seminar on `Resurgent Kerala - Role of Labour' which debated a pragmatic agenda for Kerala labour force to be a positive catalyst in the State's growth.

Inaugurating the seminar, the State Labour Minister, Mr Babu Divakaran, observed that the present day management as well as trade unions were very realistic towards development. This has resulted in lesser disputes, which is evident from the bonus discussions held during Onam without any major strikes.

According to the Minister, Kerala should formulate an agenda to supply human resources to the world for the next 25 years based on the State's strength in its intellectual capital.

In his keynote address, Dr G.C. Gopala Pillai, CMD, FACT, drew the attention of the delegates on the USP of Kerala such as highly skilled and trainable people having logical and analytical frame of mind; Kerala as a largest producer of spices and Kerala as a land having well-organised plantations.

He also highlighted the disparity of wages for similar work in a private and a public sector, which is only due to their difference in their efficiency. He said that industrialisation should be resource based rather than employment based.

Mr N.R. Pai, President, Kerala Management Association, who chaired the business session, stressed the need for accumulation of capital thereby investment in infrastructure. According to him, the capital should be allowed to play its role.

Addressing the theme session, Mr A.C. Jose, Chairman, Coir Board, observed that the Malayalee's aversion for physical labour has to be changed for sustained development of the State.

Mr M.K. Premachandran, MP, said that there is no trade union militancy; instead there is only trade union awareness. This should not stand in the way of investment in the State. He was of the view that no industry should be given a free hand to run its business since this will create a dangerous trend as there will be exploitation of labour.

Mr V.B. Cheriyan, another trade union leader was of the view that the labour should play a leading role and should have a social commitment.

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