All the 4 unions in the Tata Steel UK have decided to go on strike on 22nd June 2015 against the proposal to close the Pension Scheme in the company. The unions have taken strike ballot and there has been huge support for the strike from the 12,000 and odd workers.

In the European countries, including UK, there are moves to curtail the pension benefits. Struggles are taking in many countries.

We fully support the fully justified strike of the Tata Steel UK workers.

The meeting of Central Committee of CPI(M) is being held today and tomorrow at AKG Bhavan  New Delhi. This is the first meeting of CC after the Party Congress at Visakhapatnam. Hence many organisational matters will be discussed.
On this occasion, I could meet many senior leaders and convey to them the developments in BSNL and seek their guidance and help. Many of these comrades had much helped the BSNL workers in their struggles. The  book on the struggles organised by Joint Forum/ JAC/Forum of BSNL Unions/Associations was also handed over.

The employees of the associated banks of State Bank of India, viz. State Bank of Bikaner and Jaipur, State Bank of Travancore, State Bank of Mysore, State Bank of Hyderabad and State Bank of Patiala, are on strike today, 4th June 2015, pressing settlement of their demands. The call is given by the State Sector Bank Employees Association (SSBEA). The Association is also demanding that these banks should be delinked from SBI.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated today that the Government is committed to implement One Rank One Pension (OROP). Well and good. But when are you going to implement? It is already one year. On Land Acqusition, you have already issued three ordinances, against strong protest from the farmers and opposition parties.

Why can’t you issue one Ordinance for OROP, which is supported by the Govt. as well as opposition and which both UPA and NDA governments had assured?

Do not cheat the veterans who had defended the Nation.

Five Days Week is the system in most of the European countries and developed world. In the metro cities, it has started in many MNCs and private cocerns. In New Delhi, the central govt. offices function 5 days.
In the present scenario of things, 2 days are necessary in a week to look after family affairs and connected matters.

In this situation, the agreement in the banking sector granting 2nd and 4th Saturdays as holidays are much welcome. This is a step towards Five Days Week.

Shaken by the strong protest of war veterans, the government has assured that One Rank One Pension will be implemented with out further delay. Was the government sleeping after giving earlier assurance?
Do not ignore the Pensioners. They are a force to be reckoned with.
Once OROP is granted for army pensioners, the demand of civil pensioners for the same benefit will get momentum and strength.

Both UPA and NDA Governments promised OROP to retired army personnel. But both failed to implement. Veteran army pensioners are going on agitation from 14 June.