CITU headload workers to get new uniform: Blue shirt and black pants

KOCHI: CITU headload workers have been given a new uniform - a blue shirt and black pants - along with a name badge on the chest. The badge will display the name of the branch, pool, and worker. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan will inaugurate the state-level launch of the new uniform in December at a function in Ernakulam.

This marks the end of a 50-year-old tradition of wearing blue shirts and dhotis. Around 48,000 workers under the Kerala Head Load and General Workers Federation have already switched to black pants since September. The change was made with consideration for comfort and safety, and also in response to some criticism regarding working in dhotis.

Red Brigade also ready
CITU has also formed a Red Brigade - a special team of workers trained to provide help during emergencies. In the first phase, 1,000 workers in each district will receive training in disaster response, rescue operations, and first aid. They will wear red jackets with yellow reflectors and will be deployed to assist during accidents and emergencies.

“CITU is adapting to the times. Switching to pants will make it easier and more comfortable for workers to do their jobs.”
- K.M. Asharaf,
State Secretary, Kerala Head Load and General Workers Union