There is no doubt that the government does not take the Central Trade Unions seriously. The call for the 28th February Strike was issued by all the 11 recognised Central Trade Unions and more than 5000 independent All India Federations/Unions months back and the government was fully aware of it. In the recent Indian Labour Conference which was inaugurated by the Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh himself, the Central trade Unions have brought these issues including their decision to go on strike. But the PM did not even assure anything. Instead he stressed the need to liberalise the labour rules to benefit the corporates and the employers.

The last-minute appeal by the Prime minister is only an eyewash to hoodwink the people. Mallikarjun  Kharge has also appealed for withdrawal of the strike stating that almost all the issues raised by the unions have been addressed. There is nothing more untruthful than this. None of the issues raised in the charter has been settled. Instead, more and more issues are coming due to the aggressive implementation of the neo-liberal policies and decisions by this government.

The lakhs of workers in the private sector, public sector, central and state government employees, unorganised workers – all are determined to make the strike a big success and continue the struggle. The option for the government is to discuss these issues with the trade unions and settle them at the earliest. More and more unions and workers are joining the strike call.

It will be one of the biggest and massively participated in the history of Independent India. It will be historical and a stern warning to the Government to change its anti-worker policies. BSNL Workers will also participate in this great struggle in full strength.