Minister pats headload workers

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Giving a good start to a new work culture, a group of headload workers at Connemara market in Palayam has shown the dignity of work by refusing to accept the ‘nokkukooli’ offered by an employer for compensating their job lose. In a fitting acknowledgment to their dignified act, Labour Minister Shibu Baby John came to Palayam market and congratulated them. It was on December 1 that the government banned ‘nokkukooli’ in the city. It was 18 headload workers affiliated to the Headload Workers Welfare Board who refused to accept the nokkukooli offered by an employer. The employer had engaged his own men to complete the work when the workers approached him seeking job.  But the workers here, who realised the importance of upholding ethics and self -respect objected to the employers action and refused to take the nokkukooli.  Hearing the news the Minister came to the market to congratulate them personally and distributed cakes. The Minister said that it was the legitimate right of the workers to claim  employment. He said that those registered with the Welfare Board should be allowed to take up works. In case of denial of work, strict action would be initiated against the employers. He said the ban on ‘nokkukooli’ should not be  treated as an advantage to exploit the workers.