1. The Fourth General Strike on 29th September 1994

Despite the strong opposition from the workers and their unions against the neo-liberal policy and three general strikes in 1991,1992 and 1993, the central government was moving forward with its IMF prescribed economic policies which was making the life of the people miserable. The Government had signed the diabolic GATT agreement which is a complete sell out of the national interests and provides for unhindered loot of the Indian people by the multinational companies in colloboration with the Indian monopoly capital.The WTO-IMF-World Bank combine continues its exploitation of the third world countries by its anti-people conditionalities  for taking loans or getting financial assistance.

The Public Sector was being dismantled systematically by the central government. While sick units are being referred to BIFR, profitmaking PSUs are being disinvested or privatised. Various sectors are indiscriminately opened to greedy multinationals. Many welfare schemes are being winded up resulting in loss of jobs for tens of thousands. Recruitment in central services are almost banned. Unemployment is increasing, with lakhs of youngsters roaming the streets in search of jobs to maintain their families.

Due to strong resistance from the workers, government has been unable to pass the anti-worker Industrial Relations Bill, but the same has not been abandoned. The New Recognition Rules for the Central Government Employees’ Unions will take away many of their existing rights and privileges.

National Convention on 21st June 1994.

The National Convention called by the National Platform of Mass Organisations (NPMO) held on 21st June at Talkatora Stadium New Delhi and attended by thousands of workers nationwide and addressed by the central trade union leaders, discussed all these issues in detail and adopted a lengthy resolution in which the major demands were spelt out and programme of action finalised.

Action Programme:

  1. Extend full support to the All India Dharna before Prime Minister’s Residence on June 22 and the All India Strike of the central PSU workers on 14th July called by the Committee of Public Sector Trade Unions (CPSTU).
  2. State/District/Industry wise conventions to be completed by middle of August 1994.
  3. National Protest Week to be organised from 3rd to 9th
  4. All India Rail Roko on 20th September 94
  5. Countrywide Torch Light Processions on 27th September
  6. One Day countrywide General Strike on 29th September 1994.

All the programmes were effectively organised. State Conventions were held with masive participation.

The General Strike on 29th September 1994 was a great success with very good participation nation wide. The central employees, including telecom workers, participated in large numbers. It was a warning to the central government which was continuing its anti-people, anti-worker policies