MAY DAY GREETINGS FROM WFTU

WFTU May Day Poster Published

18 Apr 2016

1 MAY , MAY  DAY

The World Federation of Trade Unions on the occasion of the International Workers’ Day on 1 st May 2016 conveys a militant salute to all men and women of the working class and to the 92 million members of WFTU in 126 countries.

Men and women, younger or older, employed or unemployed, migrants and refugees, the World Federation of Trade Unions wishes you strength, determination and courage in your small-scale or large-scale struggles.

The multinationals, the reactionary governments, neo -fascist and racist forces, the imperialist mechanisms dread this day. Because it is a symbol of internationalism, a symbol of struggle, a symbol of class unity. These are our most powerful tools with which we need to arm ourselves in our struggles for better lives, in our struggles against poverty and wars generated by the capitalist barbarity.

Building strong class-oriented base trade unions that are massive, democratic, militant we strengthen the WFTU.

And by strengthening the WFTU as a rooted class-oriented Organization of the base, internationalist and uniting, we strengthen our trade unions.

In all countries of the world, with all forms of action we demand our contemporary needs, our labor, social and trade union rights.

Our reality of misery, unemployment, poverty and wars in contrast to the technological and scientific progress and the wealth we produce, prove how unrealistic and rotten the capitalist mode of production is.

We rally our forces and build our social alliance with the popular strata against exploitation and capitalist barbarity.

On the occasion of May Day we once more want to send our internationalist solidarity to the peoples of Palestine, Libya, Syria, Lebanon, Iraq Afghanistan, Yemen and all peoples who are suffering imperialist attacks and fight for their right to decide for themselves over their present and future.

This year 2016, the 17 th World Trade Union Congress will summon the representatives of the class-oriented trade union movement in the heroic land of South Africa. On 5-8 October 2016, thousands of delegates, real militant unionists , from all continents will gather in Durban, analyze the global and regional developments, exchange experience and proposals and resolute on the strategy and action plan of the WFTU for the next five years .

With this Congress we make a vital step forward for the international class-oriented trade union movement. “Forward! For the contemporary needs of the working classagainst poverty and wars generated by the capitalist barbarism “.

THE SECRETARIAT

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Greece Workers Demonstration against cut in pension, social security

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PAME, the mighty organisation of workers in Greece has called for demonstrations on 24th April protesting against the cut in pension and other security measures. Massive demonstrations will be held in Athens and other cities on 24th April. It is also decided for an 48 hours strike.

We support the struggle of the Greek workers!

Government compelled to cancel orders denying EPF withdrawal – Great victory for workers

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Before the strong protest of the trade unions and workers as also the huge protest rallies in Karnataka, the central government is compelled to retract from its decision not to allow full withdrawal from EPF before retirement. The Press Statement issued by the government on 21st April 2016 is given below:

This is a great victory for the working class!

 

Press Information Bureau
Government of India
Ministry of Labour & Employment
21-April-2016 17:51 IST

            Government had issued a notification dated 10th February 2016 regarding rules for withdrawal from EPF Funds by the members. Under the revised rules, the employee was permitted to withdraw the employees’ share from the fund (which is 12% of the wages). However, it was prescribed that the employers’ share of contribution towards the Provident Fund (which is 3.67% of wage) would be allowed to be withdrawn only at the age of retirement (58 years). The objective was to provide a minimum social security to the workers at the time of retirement. It was noticed that over 80% of the claims settled by EPFO belonged to pre-mature withdrawal of funds, treating the EPF accounts as savings accounts, and not a Social Security instrument. 


In order to address the issues the amendment stated above was carried out with the consent of Trade Unions and with the intention of promoting a decent accumulation of provident fund for the members at the end of their working lifetimes. 

However, considering the representations received from various quarters and after consultations with the various stakeholders, Minister of State (IC) Labour and Employment, Sh Bandaru Dattatreya announced that the government has decided to withdraw the said 10th February 2016 Notification with immediate effect. 

Accordingly, the workers are now allowed to withdraw the entire amount from the provident fund as per existing provisions of the EPF Scheme 1952 including the employers’ share of 3.67%

 

National Executive of Confederation at Dehradun

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The National Executive of Confederation of Central Government Employees and Workers will be held at Dehradun, Uttarakahand on 24th May 2016 to discuss about the proposed strike of the Central Government employees protesting against the retrograde recommendations of the VII Central Pay Commission. The Confederation has taken already taken decision  to go on strike from 11th July 2016 on demands connected with Minimum Wage etc.

Social activist murdered in Bangladesh

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Rajshahi University professor AFM Rezaul Karim Siddiquee, 58, was murdered within 50 metres of his residence in the country’s northwestern city of Rajshahi, Bangladesh.

The professor was connected with cultural activities and it seems that the Islamist fundamentalists have murdered him. No groups claimed responsibility for the attack so far and police are investigating.

Angry students and teachers of the university rallied in the campus demanding immediate arrest of culprits.

Two years ago, another Rajshahi University teacher AKM Shafiul Islam was similarly murdered. Two more professors of the Rajshahi University had been killed earlier.

We strongly protest these attacks and murders!

 

They were Giants, Indomitable Fighters!

In preparation for writing the book ” Great Leaders of P and T Trade Union Movement” (now published), I went through the old union journals, some books, old records etc. I was surprised and exhilarated. Their indomitable courage  in fighting for the cause of workers, great capacity to organise, the innumerable sacrifices and hardships they have undergone  in defending the workers – there is no limit. Of course the tumultous period of struggle for independennce, formation of  national trade union centres, extremely hard working conditions – all these might have inflenced them.
Their life and struggle inspires us. We have to be worthy as their inheritors.

Jodhpur always the front runner

In the evening of 23April 2016, the membership verification meeting was held at Jodhpur. The compund was completely full and many comrades had to stand. More than 300 comrades participated.
The meeting was presided over by Com. Hanumanji Dhadhodia, district president. Com. Bhikaram Bishnoi, District Secretary, Jodhpur wrlcomed all participants. Shri N.R.Vishnoi, Director, AIMS, who was a senior officer in DOT greeted the workers. Comrades Vijay Singh CHQ Org. Secretary, Ashok Pareek, Circle Secretary, Madan Singh ACS,  VAN Namboodiri Patron and other comrades addressed.
The leaders spoke about the necessity of electing BSNLEU in the verification. They also spoke about the achievements of the union and what will be the further demands.
The Distict union and workers assured the leaders that Jodhpur will give a lead of more than 80%.

Massive meeting at Pali-Marwar

In Rajasthan, this is the marriage season. Despite more than 2-3 marriage functions connected with BSNL employees,  large number of workers attended the membership verification campaign meeting at Pali on 23 April 2016. CHQ, Circle Office-bearers were received by the local lesders in traditional manner.
Com. Moti Singh, District Secretary, welcomed all. Com. Prabhuram Choudhary, Dist. President presided. Comrades Madan Singh, Hari Narayanan, Circle office bearers, A.Pareek Circle Secretary, Vijay Singh, CHQ Org. Secretary, senior leader Ambalji, VAN Namboodiri Patron BSNLEU and other leaders addressed. They briefed the house about the many  achievements of BSNLEU and also what it proposes to  achieve for BSNL employees. The struggles organised under the leadership of Forum and BSNLEU for revival of BSNL was explained. We are part of Indian working class and have gone on strike every time on the call of national trade unions. They called upon workers to vote en masse for BSNLEU in the ensuing verification.

Massive meeting at Pali-Marwar

In Rajasthan, this is the marriage season. Despite more than 2-3 marriage functions connected with BSNL employees,  large number of workers attended the membership verification campaign meeting at Pali on 23 April 2016. CHQ, Circle Office-bearers were received by the local lesders in traditional manner.
Com. Moti Singh, District Secretary, welcomed all. Com. Prabhuram Choudhary, Dist. President presided. Comrades Madan Singh, Hari Narayanan, Circle office bearers, A.Pareek Circle Secretary, Vijay Singh, CHQ Org. Secretary, VAN Namboodiri Patron BSNLEU and other leaders addressed. They briefed the house about the many  achievements of BSNLEU and also what it proposes to  achieve for BSNL employees. The struggles organised under the leadership of Forum and BSNLEU for revival of BSNL was explained. We are part of Indian working class and have gone on strike every time on the call of national trade unions. They called upon workers to vote en masse for BSNLEU in the ensuing verification.

Mata Karni Temple – A temple for mouses

On the road route from Bikaner to Jodhpur in Rajasthan, about 30 km from the former, there is Mata Kirti Mandir, a temple for the mouses. I had visited it earlier. Today, while going to Jodhpur from Bikaner along with Comrades Vijay Singh, CHQ Org. Secretary, Ashok Pareek, Circle Secretary, Hari Narayan and Madan Singh Circle office bearers BSNLEU Rajasthan, I could visit the same. The idol is Mata Karni, but there are thousands of all kind of mouses,  big and small, many varities. Milk, sweets and other eatables are placed in many places and the mouses eat their food calmly without any fight. Wherever you walk, lot of them are. It is surprising how they escape without getting under your feet. Co-existence is part of nature.