New Delhi, Jan 22 (IANS) Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Thursday said workers were partners in the country's progress and assured a delegation of trade union leaders every possible step to ensure their growth and welfare.

The prime minister made the remarks at a meeting with members of the Indian National Trade Union Congress, a workers' collective affiliated with the Congress party, along with Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee and Labour Minister Mallikarjun Kharge.

'The union leaders impressed upon the prime minister the need to ensure that the workers get their fair share and are protected against problems arising due to the slowdown in growth,' an official statement said.

'The prime minister assured the delegation that the government gives the highest priority to inclusive growth and is committed to ensuring that workers in the organised as well as the unorganised sectors are partners in the progress of the country.'

The labour ministry was also directed to constitute a panel with the representatives of the ministries of finance and industry to examine the issues raised during the meeting, including a social security net for unorganised workers.

Among those representing the union were its president G. Sanjeeva Reddy, who is also a member of parliament, and office-bearers M. Raghavalah, G. Kalan, S.Q. Zama and R. Chandrasekharan.