News

On 17 October, leaders from the Security for Security Workers campaign - the Centre for Indian Trade Unions, the Indian National Trade Union Congress and UNI Global Union - came together to demand that the Commonwealth Games Federation's core values of "humanity" and "equality" should guide procurement practices for the Delhi 2010 Games.



Union leaders pointed out that the Commonwealth Games Organising Committee is bound to observe the principles of "integrity" and to adopt "best practices" in running the Games. The unions' position is that only companies which demonstrate committment to the same values should be awarded contracts.



Sudhir Kumar, Delhi CITU President said that, "The Commonwealth Games highlight the principles of 'fair play' and equality ... It is important that the reputation of the Games is not tarnished by association with companies who have unfair labour practices."

Although representatives of the major Indian security company, Premier Security, denied breaking the rules, an employee of Premier stated “I earn Rs 3,600 per month. My family is in the village. I can hardly send them anything so they are all dependent on farming. Diwali is round the corner and I have not received my salary for the last two months.”

Calling on the government to ensure protection for Indian workers, Philip Bowyer, Deputy General Secretary, UNI says, “For India, the Commonwealth Games are not only an opportunity to showcase talent and organizational skills, but also the respect this nation has for human rights.”



See the links below for local Indian press reports on the issue:



http://www.indianexpress.com/news/trade-unions-trying-to-make-inroads-into-private-security-agencies/374837/

http://www.business-standard.com/india/storypage.php?autono=337747