The agricultural sector accounts for almost 15 per cent of the Indian economy
The United Steelworkers (USW) union in District 3 stands in solidarity with farmers and their families in India who are protesting against legislation recently passed by the Indian government that deregulates farming in India.
Stephen Hunt, Steelworkers director for Western Canada said, “Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi must immediately repeal the law that sparked one of the biggest farmer protests in recent history.”
The agricultural sector accounts for almost 15 per cent of the Indian economy and employs around half of the 1.3 billion people who inhabit India.
“This law will now give free rein to large distributors to take over small farms, which will destroy the lives of millions of farmers. We cannot allow big companies to exploit workers by eliminating guaranteed tariffs on products like rice and wheat”, added Hunt.
The Steelworkers also condemn the acts of violence committed by the Indian government on farmers and the millions of activists who demonstrate peacefully across India. Steelworkers are proud of their solidarity with farmers who stand together against these injustices.
“It is appalling to see the government permit police brutality including the use of tear gas and water cannons. The Indian government must stop using violence and engage in meaningful dialogue with farmers,” said Hunt.
