Catholic labour group elects leaders, urges worker organisation

BENGALURU, Karnataka (Indian Catholic News) — Archbishop Peter Machado of Bangalore urged stronger organisation of India’s unorganized workers — especially agricultural labourers, domestic workers and migrants — as the Workers India Federation elected new office bearers during its annual meeting in Bengaluru.

The Workers India Federation, an official organisation of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India’s Office for Labour, held the meeting, May 18-19 in Bengaluru, electing office bearers for the 2026-2028 term. The meeting focused on strengthening labour rights and social protections for vulnerable workers.

In his inaugural address, Archbishop Machado “emphasized the urgent need to organize unorganized workers, particularly agricultural labourers, domestic workers, and migrant workers across states,” according to the federation’s statement.

He also “underlined the importance of empowering workers at the grassroots level and extended his prayers and blessings to the newly elected team.”

Anthony Selvanathan was re-elected president of the federation, while Sebastian Palamparambil was elected vice president and Sameer Lakra general secretary.

The federation’s discussions were conducted under the theme “Dignity in Labour: Building a Secure and Resilient Nation.”

The statement said participants developed “a comprehensive plan of action for WIF” focused on “enhancing dignity and justice for workers.”

The action plan includes “empowering leadership from among unorganized workers,” expanding outreach programmes and diocesan units, and “promoting enrolment of unorganized workers in social security schemes and government policies.”

Representatives from affiliated groups, including the Christian Workers Movement, Young Christian Workers Movement and National Domestic Workers Movement, also participated in the proceedings.

The Workers India Federation was founded in 2010 as the official organisation of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India’s Office for Labour to advocate for the rights and welfare of workers, especially those in India’s unorganized sector.

Based in New Delhi, it coordinates labour initiatives, workers’ movements and Church-backed organisations across the country.

WIF works through regional labour commissions, trade unions, forums and grassroots groups to promote social security, labour rights and dignity for workers, including migrants, domestic workers and agricultural labourers.

Read the press release.