TVM ‘nokkukooli’ controversy: All suspended headload workers are CITU members

Thiruvananthapuram: Despite the Kerala government declaring ‘nokkukooli’ (gawking wages) as illegal, the practice remains prevalent, even close to the Secretariat. On Friday, ten headload workers associated with the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) were suspended by the Kerala Labour Welfare Fund Board for demanding ‘nokkukooli', casting doubt on the effectiveness of the government’s policy.

The incident occurred at the Central Stadium, next to the Secretariat, where CITU headload workers have reportedly been overcharging in the area. This highlights persistent complaints that CITU-affiliated workers in the area routinely demand higher wages and continue to collect ‘nokkukooli’ (gawking wages)  

On Friday, labourers at the Central Stadium demanded Rs 25,000 for unloading materials for a canopy worth Rs 70,000. Following complaints about this incident, Minister V. Sivankutty intervened and expelled ten CITU workers. Although the contractor indicated he could pay up to Rs 10,000 for unloading shooting materials, the workers refused to accept this amount. The minister's intervention led to an investigation and subsequent actions.

In the secretariat area, CITU workers are reportedly the only ones engaged under the board, with complaints that they exclude other unions and enforce high wage demands, including ‘nokkukooli’.

Hefty fees at Library Council exhibition

Similar practices were observed two weeks ago at the Thiruvananthapuram Library Council Exhibition, held at the Stadium Grounds. There, CITU workers allegedly charged exhibitors Rs 60 per bundle to move books from vehicles to their designated stalls, a rate considered excessive by event organisers.