Hyderabad: Labour Minister Dr. G. Vivek Venkatswamy urged Water Board employees to ensure a decisive victory for the INTUC panel led by Mogulla Raji Reddy in the Telangana Water Board Employees’ Union recognition elections scheduled for June 6.
Addressing a campaign meeting at the Water Board headquarters in Hyderabad, the Minister said the Indian National Trade Union Congress (INTUC) has a proud history of protecting workers’ rights and advancing their welfare. He said the organisation has consistently worked for labour empowerment since its formation in 1947.
TPCC president Mahesh Kumar Goud, MLAs Danam Nagender, Anil Kumar Yadav and Kale Yadaiah, former Mayor Bonthu Rammohan, INTUC National President Sanjeeva Reddy, labour leaders and Water Board employees attended the meeting.
Vivek Venkatswamy recalled that his father, Kaka Venkataswamy, and Sanjeeva Reddy had led several movements for workers’ rights. He said the Congress party has always stood with employees and remained committed to protecting their interests.
The Minister expressed confidence that the enthusiastic response from employees reflected growing support for the INTUC-backed candidates. He said workers recognised the efforts made by the Congress government to address labour issues and improve workplace conditions.
INTUC panel highlights worker welfare measures
Vivek Venkatswamy criticised the previous BRS government over its handling of labour-related issues. He alleged that the former administration failed to respond adequately during the RTC strike despite the loss of 54 lives.
In contrast, he said the Congress government resolved a recent RTC strike within two days through discussions and ensured justice for employees. He also alleged that the previous government had cancelled recognised union elections in Singareni.
The Minister highlighted several labour-focused initiatives introduced by the current government. He said the administration increased minimum wages and implemented policies aimed at improving workers’ welfare.
He also pointed to the Gig Workers Act, stating that Telangana had set a national example by addressing the concerns of gig and platform workers through dedicated legislation. According to him, such measures strengthened workers’ confidence in the government.
Vivek Venkatswamy assured employees that the government would discuss pending issues with Water Board management if Mogulla Raji Reddy secured victory in the elections. He appealed to employees to support the joint candidate backed by INTUC, AITUC and the Water Board SC/ST Employees’ Associations.
Nearly 3,000 employees are expected to vote in the recognition elections on June 6.
