Last year on this day, 7th September 2010, the country witnessed the biggest strike in the nation so far. As per the call of the Central Trade Unions, the workforce of more than 5 crore through out the country went on a one day strike against the neo-liberalisation policy of the Central Government. The main demands of the strike were 1) Arrest Price Rise 2) Stop Anti-working class policies 3) No Disinvestment/privatisation of PSUs 4) Ensure minimum wages and social security measures to the unorganised section of workers- strict enforcement of labour laws etc. The strike was the culmination of a series of agitations under the banner of the Central Trade Unions which was joined by the Central and State Government employees, public sector, All India Federations etc.
This massive protest action should have opened the eyes of the Central Government. But No. The Government ignoring the protest, is continuing aggressively with its implementation of the neo-liberal policies putting and more and more misery to the common people and the toiling masses.
Corruption has become all pervasive with the corrupt corporate-politician-beauracratic nexus with the full backing and participation of the MNCs are looting the country of its valuable natural resources like water, air-waves, land, mines etc. The major corruptions are emanating from the cheap sale of these to the corporates and big business. While a few politicians and corporates have been arrested and jailed, it was only due to the strong protest in the Parliament, the strictures of the supreme Court and also the Anna Hazare fast etc.
The working class has to take the lead in fighting the neo-liberal policies and decisions based on the same by the government. That is why, despite ideological differences etc all the Central trade Unions including INTUC and BMS has joined with Left Trade Unions to fight against the anti-working class policies of the Government.
On this anniversary of the 7th September Strike, 2010, all the Central trade Unions are meeting once again today at the Mavlankar hall, New Delhi to discuss and plan the next programme of Action. Let us hope that the All India Convention will take suitable decisions for the sustained struggle and action programmes.