It was most unexpected. The JAC had expected that the workers in NTR and Corporate office will strike work, but was doubtful about the percentage, because of past experience. At about 10.00 hours when the office was opening it seemed that the response may not be very high. The leaders and striking workers sat near the entrance and raised slogans on the demand of the strike. Then we shifted to the main entrance of the office. Gradually the number of workers started increasing. Hundreds of executives and non-executives gathered increasing the number every minute. Myself and other leaders of the JAC – Comrades Prahlad Rai (AIBSNLEA), Asokababu(BSNLEU),G.L.Jogi(SNEA),Suresh Kumar(BSNLMS),Hari Singh(BTU BSNL) and others – addressed and there was huge applause to the speeches. The Circle secretaries of unions in corporate office deserves appreciation for their effort in bringing a large number of workers on the strike.

I then went to the eastern Court. A large number of striking workers had gathered there. Along with the striking workers from Kidway Bhawan (NTR CGO HQ), the comrades from Eastern Court also reached the Corporate office under the leadership of Comrade R.S.Chouhan, Circle Secretary, NTR circle. More than thousand workers gathered in front of the corporate office. Comrade O.P.Gupta, also reached and addressed the workers.

The announcement and fiery slogans by Comrade V.P.Singh was re=echoed by the participants. The lack of response from the management irritated the workers. It was decided that the leaders will sit in front of the chamber of CMD to express strong protest at not even calling the JAC by CMD even after the strike notice was given. Accordingly myself, JAC Convener, and all available General Secretaries sat in front of CMD’s room. CMD came out of his room and immediately invited for discussion.

The discussion took a long time. CMD expressed his inability in settlement of the issues, but the JAC was firm on its demands.  The meeting ended with out any settlement. But the CMD understood that the JAC was very serious and will not compromise on any of the demands.

The demonstration and strike continued till the closure of the office. In between we attended the meeting called by the RLC. There also there was no settlement. BUt the CLC also reached there and fixed the next meeting on 22nd December 2011.

It is said that the strike is the festival of the workers in their march ahead. It was indeed true with today’s strike in Delhi. My greetings and thanks to the leaders and workers of NTR and Corporate Office who made the strike a big success.