Mr. Michael Fennell President CWG Federation - Where are you?

I wrote a post on exploitation of workers at Commonwealth Games construction sites. CLICK TO READ.

Same day I sent an e-mail to President and Secretary-General of Commonwaelth Games Federation. It was March 19, 2010, but both these gentlemen have failed to reply to mu mail. I have sent two reminders but no action. My mail has been read in their office as indicated by the return message received by me.

Exploitation of workers is a shmeful matter but these gentlemen do not seem to be concerned about it. Is this Commonwealth Games are about? Enjoy seven star luxary in India and do not bother about those human beings who will make the games successful. I will keep on sending reminders to my communication to these gentlemen.

Today a news item has appeared in newspaper that judges are apprising games workers of legal rights. But are the organisers of games bothered? Has any case been registered against the organisers and contractors for violating laws relating to workers? Why these people are not being booked for violation of law?

Exploitation of workers at Commonwealth Games sites

A Delhi High Court appointed four-member committee has reported that workers at Commonwealth Game related construction sites were not being paid minimum wages and were being made to work overtime for no extra money. The committee has recommended "exemplary fine" to be levied on errant authorities. It also said that steps should be taken to start timebound registration of workers and extending to them benefits like weekly offs and hygienic living conditions.

READ THE NEWS

To add salt to the injury, President of Commonwealth Federation has made a statement sometime back - "Venues of course, some are under construction and some of them have been completed and we are very pleased with the outcome of the hockey venue because when we were here in December last it was still very far from completion and to witness such a fact that they are able to play the World Cup. … Certainly excellent facilities. I think it is a testimony to what can be achieved by India when they have to achieve a certain objective and I must congratulate the builders, organizers and all the people responsible for presenting such a fine hockey venue.”

These CGF officials visit INdia and shower praises on the organizers and builders, who give them seven star welcome. No body is bothered about the workers who will make these games a reality. The organizers, builders and CGF officials should hang their heads in shame.

The workers and the people of India need an apology from all of them. Workers should also be compensated for the inhuman treatment given to them, along with all the payments and facilities which they are entitled to, and which have been denied to them.