Monthly Archives: July 2017

Confederation supports Defence Workers’ Struggle against Privatisation

04 Tuesday Jul 2017

Posted by in CG Employees, TU News - India

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CONFEDERATION EXTENDS FULL SUPPORT AND SOLIDARITY TO THE STRUGGLE OF DEFENCE EMPLOYEES AGAINST PRIVATISATION.
Successive Governments after 1990s have started permitting private sector in the field of Defence production. During May 2001, the Defence Industry sector which was reserved for the Government sector and Public sector was opened to 100% for Indian private sector with 26% Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). Subsequently the FDI cap in Defence was raised to 49% and now the NDA Govt raised it to 100%. Government has issued so far 222 licenses to private corporate sector like ADHANI, AMBANI, L&T, ASHOK LEYLAND, BHARAT FORGE, GODREJ &BOYCE, PUNJ LLOYD, PIPAVAV DEFENSE, PREMIER EXPLOSIVES etc,. The present Govt is bent upon to extend all types of support to the Indian private corporate houses and their foreign collaborators. Recently the Prime Minister office asked all the 41 Ordnance Factories, the information about the name of the products manufactured, its photographs, technical description, land holding by each factories, details of plants and machinery, strength of employees etc.,
On 27-04-2017, the Ministry of Defence issued an order with the approval of the Defence Minister Shri Arun Jaitely, to completely outsource 143 defence equipment like Military, Vehicles, Ammunition, Ammunition boxes, Guns, Rifles, Tanks, Troop comfort items etc., which are being manufactured at present by the ordnance factories. This decision of the Govt is going to affect more than 25 Ordnance factories and about 20,000 defence employees will be thrown out of job. Again another order was issued categorizing 39 more items as “non-care” items for outsourcing. All these decisions are taken to encourage private corporates, making the state-owned Defence Industries sick and redundant and bringing in their place the private corporate sector whose sole intention is to earn more and more profit.
The All India Defence Employees Federation (AIDEF) is on a war path and has already started series of agitations and campaign programmes against the policy decision of the Government to privatise Defence Industry and closure of ordnance factories rendering thousands of defence employees surplus and consequent retrenchment.
As a higher form of agitation AIDEF has commenced indefinite relay hunger fast near Parliament (Jantar Manthar) from 3rd July 2017 onwards. The relay fast was inaugurated by Com. Sharad Yadav, MP. Former Vice President of AIDEF.
The National Secretariat of Confederation of Central Govt Employees and Workers extends full support and solidarity to the struggle of the Defence Employees against privatization. ( Courtesy: Confederation News)

Parliament March by GDS (ED) on 27th July 2017

03 Monday Jul 2017

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NFPE has called upon its workers to participate in large numbers in the Parliament March being organised on 27th July 2017 on the issues of the Gramin Dak Sevaks (former EDA). The favourable recommendations of the VII CPC are yet to be implemented. The demand for regularization has not been accepted.

It is in these circumstances that the Parliament March is being organised on 27th July 2017. Thousands of workers are expected to participate.

We support and extend our solidarity to the fully justified struggle!

 

Protest Demonstration against US President Donald Trump

03 Monday Jul 2017

Posted by in WORLD NEWS

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Los Angeles, Jul 3 : Demonstrators hoisting signs and chanting anti-Donald Trump slogans marched through downtown Los Angeles to urge Congress to impeach the president.
The Los Angeles march was one of several similar gatherings yesterday across California and the nation.
Organisers say they believe the president has violated the US Constitution and obstructed justice.
One banner called the president an “Illegitimate Corrupt Puppet.”
Marcher John Meranda tells the Los Angeles Times he has attended five recent anti-Trump marches. The 56-year-old says he’s most recently frightened by the Republican proposal to cut billions of dollars from the Medicaid program.
A smaller group of pro-Trump protesters gathered nearby outside Los Angeles police headquarters. The Trump supporters say they’re unconcerned about allegations that Trump tried to thwart an FBI investigation of former national security adviser Michael Flynn.

Report from TUI (pensioners and Retirees) Britain

03 Monday Jul 2017

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Report of Activity during 2017 from Pensioners and Retirees in Britain to Quim Boix, Secretary, TUI(P and R).

This year of 2017 for Pensioners and Retirees in Britain has so far been one of struggle. Britain; similar to other European and Worldwide countries continues to suffer from the attacks of the ongoing crisis of Capitalism and its attempt to offload the crisis to workers and Retired peoples.
Following the result of the Referendum of the British people to leave the European Union in 2016, continuing attacks on are being attempted to deny that democratic decision. Cuts to Pensions, Housing, Education, Social Care to name a few of hard won rights are being attempted.
The Conservative Government in May decided to call a quick General Election, due to opinion poles and the recent election results in parts of Europe and elsewhere, thinking “the time was right” to increase its majority in Parliament to facilitate further draconian cuts. The Political Opposition of the British Labour Party during 2015/2016 had suffered losses and divisions, caused mainly by its members of Parliament refusing to accept the overwhelming rank-and-file membership to elect a progressive Leader, so the Government took advantage of this also and called a snap election, and published a draconian manifesto attacking Workers and Pensioners alike. The response from Trade Unions and Pensioners, and also young people was immediate. The Labour Party in turn published a progressive manifesto calling for better housing, improved Pensions, abolition of Student University Fees, the end of Privatisation of Transport, Energy, A new Social Care Consultation Programme, The abolition of Anti-Trade Union legislation etc. The mobilisation of the Trade Unions, Students, the Unemployed and Pensioners and Retired People around this manifesto successfully prevented the Conservative Government obtaining its attempt to make the people pay for the crisis of Capitalism.
The struggle is not yet won of course, but there is a new air of optimism to carry on that struggle. Unity is Strength.

Labour Code on Social Security – A fraud on the workers

02 Sunday Jul 2017

Posted by in TU News - India

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The draft of the Labour Code on Social Security Benefits amalgamating 15 existing laws/acts has been placed in public domain by the Labour Ministry for comments, views etc. The proposals of the ministry are against the interests of the workers and takes away many of the existing rights and benefits. Certain points connected with the same are given below:

  1. Threshold of the workers for availing of the social security benefits have been increased to factories engaging 40 or more workers. At present it is 10 in some cases and 15 in others. This will result in that about 75 % workers will be deprived of the social security benefits.
  2. 12.5% of wages will have to be contributed by the workers. But there is no contribution from the employers. Self employed have to contribute 20%.
  3. Unorganised workers have to contribute in the same way as organised workers.
  4. Govt. is empowered to exempt any section of workers from the benefits.
  5. Existing welfare Schemes will be faced out. But what about in future is yet to be clearly spelt out.
  6. No provision for temporary withdrawals from EPF etc. as at present.
  7. When there is no work, the worker will be excluded from the benefits.
  8. The representation of the central trade unions in the committees will be reduced from the present six (major six central TUs) to two, making the committees one sided.

The above is only illustrative. There are many other conditions which take away the existing benefits won through years of struggles and court cases.

The new Labour Code on Social Security is a fraud and deception on the workers. This has got to be fought and defeated. Better benefits should be won for the workers.

(With input from the CITU Statement)

Leaders of NFPTE from 1954 to 1986.

02 Sunday Jul 2017

Posted by in P&T TU History, Uncategorized

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National Federation of P&T Employees (NFPTE) was one of the mighty organisations in the central sector, which has a great tradition. It was formed on 24th November 1954 at New Delhi by merging all the existing unions. NFPTE was bifurcated in to NFPE and NFTE after the bifurcation of the P and T department in to Department of Posts and Department of Communications. The
bifurcation of NFPTE was done in the Federal Council held at Calcutta on 17-21 March 1986. During the 32 years of its existence, it has fought many battle for the employees and their advancement. Below is given the Federal Councils held during the period and the officer bearers who were elected to lead the organisation. (Only the name of the President, Secretary General and Treasurer is given)

(This is part of the book being published by NFPE on the history of the NFPTE authored by V.A.N.Namboodiri)
NFPTE Office Bearers ( 1954 to 1986).

Formation of NFPTE at New Delhi Federal Council on 21-24 November 1954
President : V.G.Dalvi
Secretary General : Dada Ghosh (B.N.Ghosh)
Treasurer : Makhan Singh

Federal Council at Calcutta on 28th Dec. 1955 to 2nd January 1956
President : V.G.Dalvi
Secretary General : Dada Ghosh
Treasurer : B.K.Raina

Federal Council at Hyderabad 26th December 1956 to 1st January 1957
President : V.G.Dalvi
Secretary General : Dada Ghosh
Treasurer : B.L.Raina

Federal Council at Bombay 5-10 December 1957
President : V.G.Dalvi
Secretary General : Dada Ghosh
Treasurer : B.L.Raina

Federal Council at Jaipur on 26-31 December 1958
President : V.G.Dalvi
Secretary General : Dada Ghosh
Treasurer : G.D.Jhingam

Federal Council at Gauhati, on 19-25 April 1960
President : V.G.Dalvi
Secretary General : P.S.R.Anjaneyulu
Treasurer : G.D.Jhingam

Federal Council at Nagpur on 20-24 October 1962
President : Nawab Singh Chauhan, M.P.
Secretary General : P.S.R.Anjaneyulu
Treasurer : G.D.Jhingam

Federal Council at Madras on 27th December 1963 to 1st January 1964
President : Mahesh Dutt Mishra M.P.
Secretary General : P.S.R.Anjaneyulu
Treasurer : G.D.Jhingam

Federal Council at Ambala on 21-26 February 1965
President : Mahesh Dutt Mishra M.P.
Secretary General : D.Gnaniah
Treasurer : Waryam Singh

Federal Council at Patna on 26-31 March 1966
President : M.D.Mishra M.P.
Secretary General : D.Gnaniah
Treasurer : Waryam Singh

Federal Council at Jabalpur on 22-27 January 1967
President : M.D.Mishra M.P.
Secretary General : D.Gnaniah
Treasurer : Waryam Singh

Federal Council at Vijayawada 9-14 May 1970
President : K.G.Bose
Secretary General : A.S.Rajan
Treasurer : Sadaram Tanwar

Federal Council at Calcutta 28th Oct. to 3rd November 1971
President : K.G.Bose
Secretary General : A.S.Rajan
Treasurer : Sadaram Tanwar.

As per Agreement in Unity Meeting at New Delhi on 25th October 1975 between both groups
President : N.K.Bhat M.P.
Secretary General : A.Pirmanathan
Treasurer : Sadaram Tanwar

Federal Council at Bombay on 6-8 August 1976
President : Shashi Bhushan M.P.
Secretary General : D.Gnaniah
Treasurer : P.N.Mehta

Federal Council at Bangalore on 5-9 May 1978
President : R.G.Sharma
Secretary General : O.P.Gupta
Treasurer : P.N.Mehta

Federal Council at Cochin 27-30 April 1980
President : R.G.Sharma
Secretary General : O.P.Gupta
Treasurer : P.N.Mehta

Federal Council at Bombay on 24-27 February 1983
President : R.G.Sharma
Secretary General : O.P.Gupta
Treasurer : P.N.Mehta

Federal Council at Calcutta on 17-21 March 1986
President : K.L.Moza ( After one year O.P.Gupta)
Secretary General : O.P.Gupta(After one year K.L.Moza)
Treasurer : Mohamed Yunus
First Office-bearers of NFPE and NFTE elected at Calcutta 17-21 March 1986
NFPE
President : N.J.Iyer
Secretary General : K.Adinarayana
Treasurer : Des Raj Sharma
NFTE
President : S.S.Nayar
Secretary General : O.P.Gupta
Treasurer : Dua.

(Taken from the book on ” P&T Trade Union Movement” to be published by NFPE)

WFTU NEWS – Message to Striking Workers of Brazil

01 Saturday Jul 2017

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Solidarity Messages to the Workers of Brazil on their General Strike of June 30
30 Jun 2017FISE
FISE expresses Solidarity to the Workers of Brazil on their General Strike of June 30

FISE expresses its support to the workers of Brazil, for the 30 June, General Strike.

The workers of Brazil, on June 30 go on strike all over the country against the antiworkers’ reforms, planned by the Government of Brazil.

The struggle for full time, steady jobs, decent wages, Public and Free Social Security, Healthcare and Educations, is a struggle of the working class all over the world against business groups and the Governments, who serve them.

FISE expresses its solidarity and support to the workers’ mobilizations in Brazil.

Greetings to Com.S.P.Kalairajan, who retired from service

01 Saturday Jul 2017

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Comrade S.P.Kalairajan, Circle Secretary of BSNLEU, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, retired on 30th June 2017 on superannuation.

Com.Kalairajan is an extra-ordinary, vibrant and dedicated leader of the working class. His entire service was dedicated to the DOT/BSNL employees as well as the central/state government employees of the A&N Islands. I remember the various times I have visited the islands on organisational tours. Every time, he organised several meetings of the central / state government employees as also teachers organisations. In the islands, he almost personally know each and every one. He accompanied me to the various islands and held meetings.  Though E.III and BSNLEU was a minority in the initial stage, the team led by Com. Kalairajan ensured that majority came to him.

Despite difficulties he used to attend all the All India Conferences and CEC meetings of the union. Every time we met, sometime will be utilised for discussion on organisational matters and progressive ideas. Even at latest CEC Thiruvananthapuram this was the case.

Kalairajan is an author. His book on the Tamil language is of high standard. As is usual with many of the people in Andamans, Kalairajan also knows various Indian languages. He has built up a strong organisation in the Islands including Com. Ratnambal, who herself is a senior leader.

On his retirement from service, my hearty congratulations and greetings to him. Now he had got a wide field for activities. I mentioned to him last time about Com.P.K.S.Prasad, who was a tall leader of the Andamans as an example for his future work.

Revolution Greetings to Com. Kalairajan!

Sitaram Yechury Demands banning of self styled cow vigilante groups

01 Saturday Jul 2017

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Rohtak, June 30: Sitaram Yechuri has demanded the self styled cow vigilante groups to be outlawed for their unabated criminal activities in the form of lynching mobs targeting especially the citizens belonging to minority communities and dalits.
While addressing the media here today CPI(M) General Secretary expressed dissatisfaction over the belated response of the Prime Minister commenting that Mahatama Gandhi would have never accepted killings in the name of cows while he did not reveal what his government was doing to effectively deal with the lynch mobs or so called Romeo squads. He said that a man was being beaten to death in Jharkhand only just after the PM was speaking in Gujarat yesterday.
He expressed deep concern over unprecedented crisis in agriculture sector as reflected through massive upsurge of the peasantry recently in Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh. He castigated a Central minister for describing the loan waiver demand as a fashion and asked why the farmers were falling in debt trap in the first place. It was non other than Modi himself to promise farm produce to be purchased at one and half times more than the cost of production and now his BJP government had gone back to honour the election promise.
Calling the todays function in the Central hall of Parliament as a Tamasha he raised several apprehensions over the present form of tax structure under the GST and described it as beneficial to the Corporate sector and foreign capital while harmful for the small traders and common people. In this context he expressed anguish at taxes imposed on the aids for the differently abled persons and cited it as one example of utterly insensitive and inhuman. Mr Yechuri told that the Finance Minister had given him an assurance on the floor of Parliament that tax structure will be brought before the house for discussion and debate but NDA government has gone ahead bypassing the parliament. He blamed the Modi regime of imposing GST without adequate preparedness. (Courtesy: Ganashakti)

Confederation / Standing Committee Members JCM disown the statement of Secretary National Council.

01 Saturday Jul 2017

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STANDING COMMITTEE MEMBERS, STAFF SIDE NATIONAL COUNCIL JCM, REPRESENTING CONFEDERATION DISAGREE AND DISOWN THE STATEMENT OF SRI. SHIV GOPAL MISRA, SECRETARY, STAFF SIDE, NATIONAL COUNCIL JCM

It was extremely unfortunate that the Staff Side Secretary through his press statement issued yesterday has chosen to praise the Modi Government over the decisions it had taken on various demands of the Central Govt. employees. The said statement was issued apparently without causing any consultation either formally or informally with the other members of the Staff Side, in any case not at all in consultation with the signatories of this statement. We, being the members of the Standing Committee, emphatically disagree and distance ourselves from the position taken by him in the Press Statement.
There had been no justification for the 7th CPC to reduce the rate of HRA by an imagined factor of 0.8. Neither during the discussions, the staff side had with the committee headed by the Expenditure Secretary, nor in the press release issued after the Cabinet meeting, the Govt. had advanced any logic for their decision to restore the rate of HRA only for those who draw pay at the level of Rs.18000. There had been no appreciation of any of the concerns or issues raised by the staff side and whatever decisions so far taken by the Govt. was inconsonance with the views and recommendations of the top echelons of the bureaucracy, be in the matter of allowances, minimum wage, fitment factor, rejection of option no.1 for the pensioners or withdrawal of NPS. There is no justification, whatsoever, for denial of arrears of HRA with effect from 01.01.2016.

The highly defective computation of minimum wage by the 7th CPC and the consequent denial of a reasonable wage structure, withdrawal of existing allowances and benefits, virtual abrogation of the time bound promotion to the lower category of employees; rejection of option No. 1 to pensioners, refusal to grant atleast a minimum guaranteed pension under NPS, denial of arrears of HRA from 01.01.2016 require the strongest condemnation.
The fact that decisions taken by the Govt. on 7th CPC issues are clear reflections of Modi Government’s. anti- labour attitude ought to have been, what the staff side secretary conveyed through his press release. His statement has, as stated earlier sadly reflects the total disconnect between the common Central Govt. employees and JCM staff side leadership.

Had it been the statement on behalf of the AIRF, we would not have issued this denouncement at all, as we consider that it is the prerogative of each organisation to view things in their perspective and formulate their opinions.

KKN Kutty M. Krishnan M. S. Raja
Member, Member, Member,
Standing committee, Standing committee, Standing committee,
National Council JCM National Council JCM National Council JCM
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