Friday, April 28 2006 16:04 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: The Centre is proposing to bring in an umbrella legislation for the labour force of the unorganised sector to meet their social security needs and assured the working class that it would not be affected by liberalisation and globalisation.

In his message for May Day, Union Labour Minister KChandrasekhar Rao said the government would ensure that the working class too shares the fruits of economic reforms.

While extending warmest greetings and best wishes to the working class on May Day, which falls on May 1, he sought cooperation of all stakeholders in providing labour protection and social security to workers and in exploring measures to further improve their lot.

Noting that much remained to be done for workers in the unorganised sector, the Minister said that though some laws have been enacted for them, the requirements of everyone could not be met.

"Hence, the Government is proposing to bring forward an umbrella legislation for unorganised sector workers," he said.

He also said the government desired to focus on the welfare, education, skill development and upgradation of workers and make vocational training more relevant in the light of the emerging needs of the economy.

Rao said the UPA government would ensure that the working class was not adversely affected by liberalisation and globalisation and reiterated the Centre's belief in the ethos and culture of tripartism.