Those sitting in high-rise buildings of Gujarat can't even imagine about the plight of workers who have made the bricks for those buildings. Most of the workers working in Int-bhattha (brick-kilns) come from other states like Rajasthan, UP, Chhattisghath etc. They are covered by inter state migrant workers act but the irony is that not a single owner of the brick-kilns comply with the provisions of the act. As a result all the workers are deprived of all the benefits entitled under the said act. Government is not bothered about these workers and has never taken any action against the brick-kiln owners for contravening the law.
In support of their seventeen demands thousands of workers went on strike from 14 to 25 January 2010. The strike was total. On 15th January a mass meeting was held at Adalaj. Owners of Bhattha tried to stop the meeting with the help of local police but workers showed their strength and solidarity and turned up in meeting in big number. Workers held another major rally cum Dharna at income-tax circle on 19th January and submitted their demands to labour authority.
On 25 January after twelve days strike when management did not respond workers held a meeting at Prabha Hanuman Mandir, Adalaj decided to go back to their native place as they had no means of survival.
However brick manufactures did not allow them to return home as they were demanding advance money they had given to workers at the time of joining.
Brick-kiln workers Union moved to Gujarat High court through its advocate Mukul Sinha. It was argued that since they have no money to return to owners they are being subjected to bonded labour. Workers had also appraised Gandhinagar SP and other official about their condition but no action had been taken.
Taking a strong note of the plight of the brick kiln workers Justice Akil Kureshi Of Gujarat High court has directed SP and collector to visit brick-Kiln units in Gandhinagar district and submit a report about labourers' condition.
The court also asked officials to take steps if necessary for release of brick kiln workers who are subjected to working conditions similar to bonded labourers by brick-manufacturers .The matter has been posted for further hearing on February sixteen
But this wont be the end of struggle. The workers and their organizations are determined to carry through the struggle to achieve their goal of higher wages and better facilities.
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