It is reported that Karnataka Government has moved a bill in the Winter Session of the Assembly being held at Belgaum against striking workers. The bill called Essential Service Maintenance Bill, when passed will be utilised against striking workers in the essential services like water, power, health, transport etc.
The striking worker can be punished will jail term or fine or with both.
We strongly oppose this draconian bill. We, the Central government employees, had the bitter taste of the draconian Essential Service Maintenance Ordinance promulgated by the Central government at the time of the historic strike of July 1960 when thousands of the striking workers were put in jail. Even those outsiders who supported and gave solidarity to the strike were arrested and jailed.
We strongly oppose the ESM Bill and support the Karnataka workers fighting against this draconian Bill.