Mangaluru: Members of Jilla Karmika Sanghatanegala Janti Samithi staged a protest on Thursday to demand social security for all labourers.

The protesters alleged that the government has been following an anti-farmer labour policy. They said a rise in prices of essential commodities has affected the common man. The protesters urged the government to initiate measures to control the rise in prices of essential commodities. The rise in prices of petroleum products should also be curtailed, they said.

The members demanded food security and strengthening of the public distribution system. “Strict action should be initiated against hoarding. Unemployment in youth needs to be addressed. Measures should be taken by the government to generate employment and Labour Act should be implemented effectively,” they said.

The protesters said that minimum wages should be fixed at Rs 18,000 as it is difficult to lead a decent life with the meager wages, CPM leader Balakrishna Shetty said.

He said the government should not interfere in the issues of ESI and PF. In the interest of the country, the FDI in defence, insurance and railways should be withdrawn, he said.

The protesters took out a protest march from Board High School to Mahatma Gandhi memorial in Ajjarakadu. The protesters shouted slogans against the government.