Kollam: The Kerala government has launched an inquiry into an incident in which a woman in Kollam was forced to unload a truck full of tiles by herself after local trade union workers allegedly demanded an excessive fee and prevented others from helping her.
The workers, reportedly members of the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU), the CPI(M)’s trade union wing, are accused of blocking neighbors and construction workers who tried to assist the woman, identified as Priya Vinod of Kadakkal.
According to local reports, Priya spent more than two hours on Friday night unloading around 150 boxes of floor tiles after refusing to pay what she described as a hefty demand. The charges, locally known as nokkukooli, are fees often sought by union workers for loading, unloading, or even just supervising a task, regardless of whether they are hired.
Kerala Labor Minister V. Sivankutty spoke with Priya after the incident was reported in the media and assured her of action. “The government will take strong action against such actions,” his office said. The minister, who also handles the general education portfolio, directed the district labor officer to record her statement on Saturday as part of the probe.
Reports said the hired construction workers also declined to help unload the tiles as union members stood by, leaving Priya to complete the task late at night.
Though once widespread in Kerala, the practice of nokkukooli has faced strong public opposition. In 2021, the Kerala High Court declared such demands by trade unions, registered head-load workers, or individuals unconstitutional. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan had also pledged to end the practice soon after assuming office in 2016.