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TU News from India

The Strike Started – Enthusiastic Response

20 Wednesday Feb 2013

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The 48 hours strike has started with enthusiastic participation by the workers all over the country. Reports received from the circles indicate that maximum workers are particvipating in the strike from BSNL. The country is watching the biggest strike action of the Indian Working Class since Independence. Even many of those unions which did not initially took decision are seen participating in the strike.
In Kerala the Strike is just like a full Bandh.
Hearty Congratulations to all the strikers and the leaders! Let the government tremble before the mighty protest action!

Towards the Historic 48 Hours National Strike on 20 -21 February 2013!

19 Tuesday Feb 2013

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The working class in India is moving towards one of the biggest strike action the country has ever seen. About 10-12 crores of workers, 10% of the total people, will be on complete strike for 48 hours from 24.00 / 00.00 hours on the mid-night of 19th / 20th to midnight of 21st / 22nd February 2013 protesting against price-rise, anti-worker policies and demanding the basic demands of the workers. The demands are fully justified and have been raised years back. The government did not take any action. Even in the discussion in the last moment, yesterday, the government did not assure anything, but only requested for withdrawal of the strike, which the union leaders naturally declined.
It is the duty of each and every worker to stand strong with the strike, fully participate and give a strong message to the government that unless the demands are met the struggle will continue by the workers. The government should be taught a tough lesson for ignoring the fully justified demands of the workers.
Yes, as pointed out in my blog yesterday this is going to be another fierce battle like the workers waged in 1946 and 1974,
March forward with determination to the great struggle, the 48 hours Strike!

1946, 1974 and 2013 – is there a pattern?

18 Monday Feb 2013

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What is the relation between 1946, 1974 and 2013? At first there seems to be nothing. But if you go through the history of the struggles of the working class in India, you will find a pattern connecting these periods.
1946 was a period of historical struggles of the people and workers of India against the British Empire for realising the demand of Independence for India. The Royal Indian Navy Mutiny, the Postal Strike etc. are part of this great struggle. And Britishers had to quit India and India got independence in 1947.
In 1974 also there were serious struggles by the working class of India. The 22 days massive strike of the Railwaymen participated by about 12 lakh workers along with other central government employees on the issue of Bonus and other demands, though suppressed by the government through ESMO and brute force, started a process which culminated in the defeat of the Congress Government at Centre in 1977 for the first time despite the efforts of the government to continue with declaration of Emergency. Again a big change for the country.
The 48 hours general strike on 20-21 February 2013 called by the 11 Central Trade unions and supported by almost the entire All India Federations and trade Unions, is going to be another historical struggle. It is for the first time since Independence that such a big strike is taking place. 10-12 crore workers are expected to participate in the strike. The demands raised are the demands of the people and the working class. There is no doubt that the strike will be a great success and it will have serious repercussions on the government, today or tomorrow.
That is why I stated in the start that there is a very big similarity in the three big struggles. A change has to certainly come.

Two days Strike on 20-21 February 2013

12 Tuesday Feb 2013

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The biggest strike that the country has ever seen is going to take place on 20-21 February 2013. This is going to be a historic and glorious strike not only because it may be participated by more than 12 crore workers, but also because of the importance of the demands raised by the 11 Central Trade Unions which have called for the 2 days strike.
The strike is essentially a people’s war. Not only the demands of the workers, but the issues of the entire people of the country are included in the demands. Focus has been given to intolerable price rise, anti-worker policies and decisions of the government, denial of rights of the workers, exploitation of the unorganised workers who are about 90% of the total workers etc.
Though the call is given by the 11 Central Trade Unions, almost all the independent Federations, All India Unions of central/state government emoloyees, central/state public sector and private sector have also decided to join the strike. Each and every day, more and more unions/associations are announcing their participation.
Usually the strikes are connected with left and progressive section of the workers. But this strike has been called for by trade unions of all hues and ideologies. It is really a united struggle.
This strike is also a struggle against the neo-liberal policies being implemented by the government, which has benefited the rich and corporates, but have put untold miseries on the common man and the toiling masses.
Yes, the strike is going to be a big success. Make it the biggest and wide spread strike that has ever taken place.
Forward to 48 hours strike on 20-21 February 2013!

Only 19 days for the two days strike – Prepare for the same

01 Friday Feb 2013

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Only 19 days are left for the 2 days strike on 20-21 February 2013 called for by the 11 Central trade unions on the most important demands of the workers and common people. In addition to the 11 Central Trade Unions, a large number of All India Federations and Unions have decided to participate in the strike. The Confederation of Central Government Employees have also issued notice. In BSNL most of the unions have decided to join the strike. It is expected that others will also join.
I eanestly request all the unions/associations in BSNL to join the strike and make it a complete success.
Towards the Strike! Make it completely successful!

CTUs’ demands on Pre-Budget consultations

27 Sunday Jan 2013

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The Finance Minister Shri P.Chidmbaram, met the representatives of the Central Trade Unions on Pre-Budget Consultations on 3rd January 2013. Some of the points raised by the Central Trade Unions in the meeting are mentioned below:
* Take effective steps to arrest the spiralling prices and contain inflation. Ban speculative trading. Universalise Public distribution system.Rationalise tax/duty/cess on petroleum products.
* Minimum Wage should be guaranteed to all workers as per 15 th Indian Labour Conference.
*Create a Welfare Fund for the unorganised workers including agricultural workers.
* The ban on recruitment in government, PSUs and autonomous institutions should be lifted.
* MGNREGA be extended to urban areas and employment of 200 days ensured. Universalisation of ICDS to be done.
* The workforce in ICDS, Mid day meal scheme, Vidya volunteers etc. to be regularised; ASHA be brought under minimum wage and social security.
* Steps to be taken for removal of all restrictive provisions based on poverty line in respect of eligible coverage schemes under the Unorganised Workers Social Security Act 2008.
* Remunerative prices should be ensured for agricultural produce. Benefits of the increase to reach the small cultivators and not big comapnies/land lords alone.
* Budgetary provisions should be made for essential services including housing, sanitation, water, schools, creche etc. to workers in the new emerging indusrial sites.
* PSUs should be strengthened and expanded. Disinvestment should be stopped forth with. Budgetary support for sick UPSCs.
* Budgetary provision for elementary education should be increased.
* Support for traditional sectors like jute, textiles, coir, hand loom, plantation etc.
* Income Tax exemption for salaried employees to be raised to Rs.5 lakhs. Fringe benefits should be exempted from income tax liability.
*Threshold limit of 20 employees in EPF Scheme to be brought down. Employers contribution to EPF be increased.
* Proper policy towards street vendors to be ensured in order to protect 4.5 crore people engaged in the sector, especially after the FDI in multi-retail is being implemented.
* All interests and social security of domestic workers to be statutorily protected.
* Constitute VI CPC for Central Govt. employees.
* Progressive Taxation system to be brought.
* Concrete steps should be taken to recover huge accumulated unpaid tax arrears.
* Unearth huge accumulated black money.
* Concrete measures to recover NPAs (un-returned loans) of Banks.
* The rate of wealth tax, corporate tax, gift tax etc. to be expandedd and enhanced.
* No discrimination against PSUs in tax regime.
* ITES, Out sourcing, Educational sector, health services etc. run on commercial basis should be brought under service tax net.

The Central trade Unions also expressed their strong resentment to the government in not responding to their 10 point demands which have been focussed and on which the working class of India have organised several agitations and struggles. The utter disregard and non-response is not only unacceptable but also deplorable.
The Central Trade Unions also objected strongly to the so called Banking reforms. The FDI in retail,disinvestment of Insurance etc were also strongly opposed by the Central TUs.
The CTUs also demanded post-budget discussion as is being done with the corporates.

The Central Trade Unions have effectively put the demands. But it is to be seen that whether the government will consider the same, or ignore as in the past.

Verification of Membership of Central trade Unions

27 Sunday Jan 2013

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The Ministry of Labour and Employment as well as the Chief Labour Commissioner (C) have issued notifications to conduct the Verification of Membership of Central Trade Union Organisations. The date of reckoning will be as on 31st December 2011. The verification is for the purpose and determining the representation of Central Trade Union Organisations on international and national Conferences, committees, Councils etc.

The recognition as a Central Trade Union Organisation will be granted to those organisations whose affiliated have at least a combined verified membership of 8 lacs and unions registered in at least 8 states with membership presence in at least 8 industries. The application for participation should be submitted to the CLC(C) at the latest by 31-03-2013.

At present there are 11 Central Trade Unions recognised. According to the membership BMS is first followed by INTUC, AITUC, CITU etc.

Kerala State employees and teachers strike ends

14 Monday Jan 2013

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After discussion with the Finance Minister and later with the Chief Minister, the Kerala state employees and the teachers unions have withdrawn the strike as per the agreement reached. My Hearty Congratulations to the workers for their fight against the anti-worker decision of the government introducing contributory pension replacing the age old and beneficial defined statutory pension.

Kerala State employees/teachers on strike against contributory pension

13 Sunday Jan 2013

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The lakhs of State Govt. employees, teachers and other govt. and local body workers are on strike for the last one week demanding cancellation of the government decision to introduce contributory pension instead of defined statutory pension as it existed before.
Though the central government and most of the state governments had introduced the contributory pension for the employees recruited w.e.f. 01-01-2004, the three Left led state governments of Kerala, W.Bengal and Tripura refused to implement the same taking the concern of the workers. Since the formation of the UDF government in the state it has been preparing for introducing the new scheme which is completely opposed by the employees. And now it has issued orders implementing the same. The state government employees are on strike against this anti-worker order. It is reported that the strike is a big success with more than 60% workers on strike.
The CITU and other Left trade unions have decided to organise a one day Strike supporting the workers and demanding the government to discuss the issue with the workers and withdraw the same.
My full solidarity and support to the workers on strike!

Prepare for the 20-21 February Strike

11 Friday Jan 2013

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In the National Convention of Workers called by the 11 Central Trade Unions including CITU, AITUC, INTUC, BMS etc., call was given to organise Two Days Strike on 20-21 February 2013 against the anti-worker policies of the government and demanding settlement of the issues of the workers, especially in the unorganised sector.
The various National Federations, All India Unions etc. are preparing for the strike. BSNLEU has already decided to go on strike and started preparations. NFTE, FNTO, TEPU, BMS etc. have also decided to go on strike.
In an effort to mobilise the entire unions/associations and the workers in BSNL in this glorious strike to defend the rights of the workers, a meeting of all the Unions/Associations in BSNL is being organised at 1500 hours on 12th January 2013 by BSNLEU at the BSNLMS office. We are expecting that all the Unions/Associations in BSNL will participate and take appropriate decisions to join and make the strike a big success in BSNL.