Agartala, 3rd October 2026 : The 82nd founding anniversary of the World Federation of Trade Unions (WFTU) was observed at a meeting organised at the CITU state office here on Friday. Former minister Manik Dey, Shankar Prasad Datta and other labour leaders and organisational representatives attended the programme.
Addressing the gathering, Shankar Prasad Datta highlighted the contribution of workers to the development of civilisation and said working people in different countries have historically fought for their rights against employers and management.
He said workers’ issues could not be addressed through struggles confined to a single country and stressed the need for international solidarity among the working class. According to him, building an exploitation-free society requires workers across countries to unite and strengthen collective movements.
Datta said workers’ rights could not be secured merely through appeals and petitions and called for mass mobilisation and organised resistance against exploitation.
He also emphasised the importance of using scientific and technological progress for the welfare of humanity. Referring to major advances made over the past two centuries and rapid technological changes in the 21st century, he said the benefits of such progress should reach ordinary people rather than remain concentrated among those controlling wealth.
The meeting discussed workers’ rights, international labour solidarity, resistance against exploitation and the use of science and technology for public welfare.
