8.5 Lakh CG Employees Participate in Central Government Employees Union Strike

8.5 Lakh Employees Participate in Central Government Employees Union Strike

According to the press release of the Confederation of Central Government Employees, more than 8.5 lakh employees participated in the strike to protest against the Central Government’s attitude.

Implement the labour laws without any exceptions or changes; provide social security to non-regulated employment sectors; withdraw the new pension scheme; control the prices of essential commodities; No ban on creation of new posts; include 100% dearness allowance to basic pay; at least five promotions during the entire service period and removal of all ceilings on bonus – these are some of the demands presented by the Central Government workers unions during the strike in which more than 8.5 lakh workers had participated.

wage revision has been denied to Central Government employees for the past five years. Despite the fact that dearness allowance has exceeded 100%, it has not yet been added to the basic pay. Instead of creating new jobs, contract employees are being brought in. Denial of the statutory defined benefit pension to the fresh appointees and above all the closure of the negotiating forum JCM since 2010.

10 workers unions had participated in the strike. The Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS), which enjoys the support of the BJP, did not participate in the strike. Virjesh Upadhyay, the general secretary of BMS, said, “Majority of the bank employees will not participate in the strike called for by the Central Government workers unions. Electricity, oil and gas distribution will not be affected. Employees of the national thermal power association and the national hydroelectricity power association, and the powergrid will not be participating in the strike.”

The Confederation news report said that despite the fact that BMS did not participate in the strike, it was a resounding success with the participation of 8.5 lakh employees. There was near-complete participation of Central Government employees in eight states. In the other states, there was 80% participation.

The Confederation has also thanked all the employees who had participated in the strike. It has also thanked all the leaders and members, on behalf of the Confederation’s secretary.

Source: CGEN

Massive Success - Bank Strike today

Bank Strike today – a Massive Success

All India Bank Strike called today by All India Bank Employees Association has been a massive success all over the country. In addition to AIBEA, the strike call has been given jointly by AIBOA, BEFI, INEF and INBOC. Unions in LIC, RBI, NABARD, IDBI also joined the strike. All India Co-operative Bank Employees Federation and all the unions in Regional Rural Banks had also given the strike call. All India Bank Deposit Collectors Federation had also given the call to its members to join the strike. Hence the strike was implemented across in all the Banks in Public Sector, Old generation Private Banks, foreign Banks, RRBs, and Co-op. Banks.

Banking operations were fully affected and paralysed in many States and normal banking services could not be fully functional due to the strike. Payments and receipts of cash in the counters was affected and even clearing of cheques could not be conducted in many centres. Inter-branch cash remittances, remittances of cash to and from currency chest were totally affected. More than five lacs of bank employees and officers joined the strike today all over the country. In metro centres, treasury operations, bills negotiations and inter-bank transactions were also affected. Reports reaching us from States and major centres indicate that strike has been total.

12 point Charter of Demands: The strike was called in support of the 12 point charter of demands of the Central Trade Unions including more jobs for the unemployed youth, control of prices of essential commodities, guaranteed minimum wage of Rs. 15,000, removal of ceiling on Bonus and Gratuity, extending maternity leave benefits to all women workers, strengthening social security funds, etc. and against proposed adverse changes in labour laws, easy rules for retrenchment of workers, investment of PF in stock market, making PF and ESI as optional, curbing trade union justifys and collective bargaining, contracting out and outsourcing permanent jobs, replacing regular jobs with Apprentices, etc.

Anti-people economic policies: The strike is to protest against the anti-people economic policies of the BJP/NDA Government. Black money is increasing but no steps are being taken against it. Inflation goes unabated and Government in casual about it. Investment in agriculture and rural sector is declining but Government does not bother about it. All types of concessions are being showered on the corporate and industrial houses. Foreign Direct Investment is being encouraged even core sectors like Defence, Railways and banking and insurance sector. Public Sector is being weakened through more and more disinvestments.

Banking sector: The strike in Banks is also against the proposed banking reform measures like privatisation and globalisation of our Indian banks, merger and consolidation of public sector banks, allowing private companies to start private banks risking the savings of the poor people, foisting private sector Executives to head the public sector banks, privatisation of Regional Rural Banks, threat of closure of urban co-operative banks and Primary Agricultural Co-operative Societies (PACs), dumping all Government schemes on banks without providing adequate number of employees and officers thus forcing heavy work load on the staff. The real problem of increasing bad loans is not being effectively handled by the Government but on the other hand, cores of rupees are being written off from profits of banks. Deliberate and willful default of bank loans should be termed as criminal offence and money recovered but no action is being taken on them.

As on 31-3-2015 there are 7035 cases of willful defaulters involving bad loans of Rs. 58,792 crores. The bad loans in the Banks as on 31-3-2015 has risen to 2,97,000 crores in addition to another Rs.4,03,004 crores of bad loans of 530 corporate companies shown as rescheduled and restructured loans under CDR scheme. Bad loans struck up in top 30 borrowal accounts of PSBS as on 31-3-2015 is Rs. 1,21,162 crores.

Hence to oppose the anti-people economic policies, anti-worker labour reforms and anti-public sector banking reforms, bank unions have gone on strike. We hope that Government will see reason and change their policies. We thank the bank employees all over the country for their massive and enthusiastic support to the strike call.

Source: www.aibea.in

BPMS Circular - Postponement of Strike of 02.09.2015

BPMS Circular on Postponement of Strike of 02.09.2015

BHARATIYA PRATIRAKSHA MAZDOOR SANGH

(AN ALL INDIA FEDERATION OF DEFENCE WORKERS)

No. BPMS / 12 / CIR / 2015

Dated: 29.08.2015

To,
The Office Bearers, CEC Members,
President / Secretary of the unions
Affiliated to BPMS

Subject: Postponement of proposed Strike on 02.09.2015

Dear Brothers & Sisters

Sadar Namaskar,
Your attention is invited to this federation’s Circular No BPMS / 11/ CIR / 2015, dated 17.07.2015 whereby all the unions have been directed to take strike ballot and serve the strike notice to the head of establishments to go on strike on 02.09.2015 on the call of Central Trade Unions along with Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh.

Now, it is worth to mention here that an Inter Ministerial Committee meeting held on 26th & 27th August, 2015 under the Chairmanship of Shri Arun Jaitley, Hon’ble Finance Minister and assured for justifys of workers, welfare of labour, concepts of tripartism in the matter of labour relations and appealed to reconsider the proposed call for strike on 02.09.2015.

Since the Government has come forward with positive assurances on the basic demands and assured to continue dialogue, it has been decided to defer/postpone the proposed strike on 02.09.2015 for next date to be decided in future.

Therefore, you are requested to apprise to your Head of Establishment regarding postponement of the proposed strike of 02.09.2015. Kindly see the format in this regard.

With regards,

Brotherly Yours

(M. P. SINGH)

General Secretary

Copy to:
1. General Secretary, B.M.S. New Delhi, 2426, Ram Naresh Bhawan, Tilak Gali, Pahar Ganj, New Delhi – 110055
2. Secretary General, GENC, Kanpur – For your kind information please


Source: BPMS

FLASH NEWS : COUNTRYWIDE GENERAL STRIKE ON 2ND SEPTEMBER A MASSIVE SUCCESS

Confederation News : Countrywide General Strike on 2nd September Stands

FLASH NEWS

28th August 2015

COUNTRYWIDE GENERAL STRIKE ON 2ND SEPTEMBER STANDS

CENTRAL TRADE UNIONS REASSERT THE CALL FOR UNITED ACTION

MARCH AHEAD UNITEDLY, MAKE THE COUNTRYWIDE GENERAL STRIKE ON 2ND SEPTEMBER A MASSIVE SUCCESS

After two rounds of discussion between the Group of Ministers and the central trade unions on the 12-point charter of demands of the trade unions held on 26th and 27th August 2015, the GoM headed by Finance Minister, Shri Arun Jaitley sent an appeal through the press release dated 27-08-2015 (Press Information Bureau) after 10 pm urging upon the trade unions to reconsider the call for countrywide general strike on 2nd September 2015 claiming that the Govt has given concrete assurance to consider most of the demands of the trade unions and that the trade unions agreed to consider the Govt’s proposals. Similar appeal was also made in the meeting of 27th August. Both the claims of the Govt are totally incorrect.

To put the facts straight, the joint platform of central trade unions have been pursuing with successive governments at the centre with their basic demands since 2009 and observed three rounds of countrywide general strike since 2010, the last being for two days in February 2013. In the two rounds of meeting between the CTUOs and the Group of Minister, nothing transpired in concrete terms except vague statements by the ministers on steps to be taken or being taken on some of the issues, that too not in the justify direction.

The Govt’s press release mentioned, inter alia, certain issues in support of their unfounded claim.

The Govt stated about “appropriate legislation for making formula based minimum wages mandatory and applicable” for all. But despite concrete pointers made by the trade unions that such formula should be what has already been unanimously recommended by the 44th Indian Labour Conference in 2012 and again reiterated by 46th Indian Labour Conference in July 2015 in which the Govt of India is also a party, the Ministers did not give any concrete commitment on the same. In fact said formulae recommended by 44th ILC in 2012 and reiterated by 46th ILC in July 2015, makes minimum wage around Rs 20000/- at 2014 price level and the Trade Unions demanded only Rs 15,000/. The Ministers’ vague formulation does not ensure even half of that. Is such a position worth consideration?

On contract workers, the Govt assured that they will be guaranteed minimum wages. What is there to assure except spreading deliberate confusion? Existing laws of the land lawfully ensures payment of minimum wages to contract workers. The Govt’s statement regarding “sector specific minimum wages for the contract workers” also does not make any sense. The trade unions demanded “same wages and other benefits as regular workers in the concerned industry/establishment to be paid to contract workers.” The 43rd Indian Labour Conference held in 2011 recommended the same and 46th ILC unanimously reiterated the same in 2015, in which, again, the present Govt is a party. How could they deny the unanimous recommendation of the highest tripartite forum in the country like Indian Labour Conference?

The steps taken by the Govt on Labour Law amendments, are meticulously designed to throw out more than 70% of the workers on industries and other establishments from the purview and coverage of almost all basic labour laws and also to eliminate almost all components/provisions of justifys and protections of the workers. This was supplemented by more aggressive steps already taken by a good number of state governments to already amend the labour laws in the similar lines. On this issue, the Govt stated only that they will hold tripartite consultation before taking such steps. The trade unions demanded scrapping of such proposals by the central govt and also not to give assents (through President) to the unilateral amendments made by the state governments. Even in all the tripartite consultations held on some of the proposals of the Govt, the trade unions’ unanimous suggestions has been ignored by the Govt in favour of loud supportive applauds of the employers. Once these retrograde changes in labour laws totally dismantling the justifys and protection measures for the workers and also throwing more that 70% of the workers out of the purview of labour laws are enacted, thereby rendering the almost entire working people a justify-less entity in their workplace, what would ensure even payment of minimum wage and other social security benefits for them, even if those provisions are improved ? Can any trade union, worth its name accept such a machination designed to impose conditions of virtual slavery on the working people ?

Despite repeated insistence by all the trade unions, the Govt refused to concede to the demand for recognizing the Scheme workers, viz., Anganwadi, Mid-day meal, ASHA, Para-teachers and others as “worker” with attendant justifys of statutory minimum wages and other benefits in gross violation of the unanimous recommendation of the 45th Indian Labour Conference in 2013, reiterated again by the 46th ILC in 2015. These workers and all the schemes have been put to further crisis threatening their existance owing to drastic cut in budgetary allocations for those schemes. In such a situation, does the assurance of the Govt to “extend social security measures” and “working out ways” for the same carry any meaning?

On bonus issue, the Govt has assured to revise the eligibility and calculation ceiling to Rs 21000/- and Rs 7000/- respectively from existing Rs 10000/- and Rs 3500/-. Trade Unions’ demand has been that since there is no ceiling on profit, all ceilings in the Payment of Bonus Act should be removed altogether. Trade unions also demanded substantial upward revision of the formula for gratuity calculation and remove the ceiling on gratuity payment. The Govt has negated the demands.

On price rise situation, claim of the Govt that it has gone down does not match with ground reality in respect of commodities for daily necessities of the common people. The demands of the trade unions for putting a ban on speculation/forward trading in essential commodities and services along with universalisation of public distribution system throughout the country have been totally ignored.

Trade Unions demanded stoppage of disinvestment in public sector undertakings playing crucial and supportive role in advancement of the national economy. Govt totally ignored the same, rather has been going on aggressively in disinvestment route in all the major PSUs much to the detriment of the interest of the country’s economy. On the demands for stoppage of further FDI in defence, railways and financial sector, the stance of the Govt is continuing to be a total denial. Rather, the Govt has been aggressively pursuing deregulation and privatization in strategic sectors like electricity, Port & Docks, Airports etc in a big way.

There are other issues as well, statement of Govt continued to be totally vague and their claim is unfounded. How can anybody, rather any trade union worth its name can consider above stands taken by the Govt on vital demands of the workers as a positive development and move out from the programme of united strike action ?

Therefore, there is absolutely no reason for reconsidering the decisions of the Central Trade Unions for countrywide general strike on 2nd September 2015. Rather, the situation demands that there should be no vascillation in carrying forward the call for general strike on 2nd September 2015 throughout the country in all sectors of the economy with firm determination.

The Central Trade Unions appeal to all working people irrespective of affiliations to make the call for countrywide general strike against the anti-worker, anti-people policies of Govt a massive success.

Tapan Sen

General Secretary CITU

Source: Confederation News

Strike on 2nd September under reconsideration – Government assured on Bonus, Minimum wage and Labour law issues

Proposed Strike on 2nd September under reconsideration – Govt assured on Bonus, Minimum wage and Labour law issues

Inter Ministerial Committee Holds Wider Consultations with Trade Unions on Charter of Demands Appeals to Reconsider Proposed Call for Strike in View of Discussions

The Second meeting of Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) continued discussion on 12 Demands Charter of Trade Unions for the second day here today in continuation of discussions held yesterday. The Committee comprises Shri Arun Jaitley, Finance Minister, Shri Bandaru Dattatreya, MoS(IC) Labour and Employment, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, MOS(IC) Petroleum and Natural Gas, Shri Jitendra Singh, MoS DOPT, and Shri Piyush Goel, MoS (IC),Power. During the discussions Trade Unions expressed concern and asked for clarifications on their demands. Addressing their concerns and expectations, the Finance Minister explained policies on which the Government is working and assured that the Government is committed to welfare of labour. Underlining the importance of role of Trade Unions, Shri Jaitely assured the Central Trade Unions that all labour laws reforms will be done with due discussions and tripartite consultations.

In view of the discussions held in conducive and cordial atmosphere, the IMC appealed to Trade Unions to reconsider the proposed call for strike on 2nd September, 2015.The Trade Unions have agreed to consider the appeal.

In view of the suggestions given by Central Trade Unions in the meetings held on 19th July, 26th August and 27th August, 2015, the Government assured the following :

1. Appropriate legislation for making formula based minimum wages mandatory and applicable to all employees across the country.

2. For the purposes of bonus the wage eligibility limit and calculation ceiling would be appropriately revised. Earlier in 2006-07 the calculation ceiling was decided at Rs.3500/- and eligibility limit was wage of Rs.10,000/- per month which is proposed to be revised to Rs.7,000 and Rs.21,000 respectively.

3. The Government is expanding the coverage of social security and working out ways to include construction workers, Aanganwari workers ,ASHA workers and Mid Day Meal workers..

4. Regarding contract workers the Government assured that they will be guaranteed minimum wages. Moreover, the Government is working out ways so that workers of industries will get sector specific minimum wages.

5. Government has already enhanced minimum pension for EPFO members and every pensioner gets minimum pension of Rs.1000/- per month perpetually.

6. Labour laws reforms will be based on tripartite consultations as already stated by the Prime Minister. The States are also being advised to follow the tripartite process.

7. For strict adherence to labour law enforcement, advisory has been issued to the State/UT Governments and strict monitoring has been initiated by Central Government.

8. For employment generation Mudra Yojana, Make in India, Skill India and National Career Service Portal initiatives have been taken.

9. Abolition of interviews for all primary jobs which do not require any special knowledge/expertise, is being done for transparency and expediting the process of recruitment.

10. Inflation is lowest in the last many years excepting two items onion and pulses. Government is taking necessary steps to contain the higher prices of these two commodities also.

It was further clarified that there is no ban on filling up of vacancies in Government jobs and all concerned Departments are taking necessary action to fill-up these vacancies. It was further assured that the Government is committed to job security, wages security and social security to the workers. The issue of equal wages for equal work for contract workers is an issue requiring wider consultations and a committee will be constituted, if required.

Source: PIB News

2.9.2015 All India Strike - Confederation served strike notice to Cabinet Secretary on 11.8.2015

Confederation served strike notice to Cabinet Secretary on 11.8.2015 – 2.9.2015 All India Strike

2nd SEPTEMBER 2015 ALL INDIA STRIKE – CONFEDERATION SERVED STRIKE NOTICE TO CABINET SECRETARY ON 11.08.2015

CONFEDERATION OF CENTRAL GOVT. EMPLOYEES & WORKERS

1st Floor, North Avenue PO Building, New Delhi – 110001

Website: www.confederationhq.blogspot.com

Email: confederationhq@gmail.com

President

K. K. N. Kutty

09811048303

Secretary General

M. Krishnan

09447068125

No. Confdn/Strike/2015

Dated: 11th August 2015

To

The Cabinet Secretary,

Cabinet Secretariat,

Government of India,

Rastrapathi Bhawan,

NEW DELHI – 110004.

Sir,

This is to give notice that the employees who are members of the affiliated organisations of the Confederation of Central Government Employees and Workers will go on one day’s strike on 2nd September, 2015. The Charter of demands in pursuance of which the employees will embark upon the one day strike action is enclosed.

Thanking you,

Yours faithfully,

Sd/-

M. Krishnan,

Secretary General

Encl: Charter of demands.

CHARTER OF DEMANDS

1. Urgent measures for containing price-rise through universalisation of public distribution system and banning speculative trade in commodity market.

2. (a) Containing unemployment through concrete measures for employment generation.

(b) No ban on creation of new posts. Fill up all vacant posts.

3. (a) Strict enforcement of all basic labour laws without any exception or exemption and stringent punitive measure for violation for labour laws. Withdraw the anti-worker Labour Law Amendments

(b) No labour reforms which are inimical to the interest of the workers.

4. (a) Universal social security cover for all workers

(b) Scrap PFRDA Act and re-introduce the defined benefit statutory pension scheme.

5. (a) Fix minium wage with provisions of indexation.

(b) Effect wage revision of the Central Government Employees from 01.01.2014 accepting memorandum of the staff side JCM; ensure 5-year wage revision in future; grant interim relief and merger of 100% of DA; Include Gramin Dak Sevaks within the ambit of 7th CPC. Settle all anomalies of 6th CPC.

6. (a) Stoppage of disinvestment in Central/State PSUs. Stoppage of contractorisation in permanent perennial work and payment of same wage and benefits for contract workers as regular workers for same and similar work.

(b) No outsourcing, contractorisation, privatization of governmental functions; withdraw the proposed move to close down the printing presses, the publications, form stores and stationery departments and medical stores Depots; regularize the existing daily-rated/casual and contract workers and absorption of trained apprentices.

7. Removal of all ceilings on payment and eligibility of bonus, provident fund; increase the quantum of gratuity.

8. (a) Compulsory registration of trade unions within a period of 45 days from the date of submitting applications; and immediate ratification of ILO Convention C 87 and C 98.

(b) Revive the JCM functioning at all level as an effective negotiating forum for settlement of

the demands of the Central Government Employees.

9. (a) Against FDI in Railways, Insurance and Defence.

(b) No Privatisation, PPP or FDI in Railways, Defence Establishment and no corporatization of Postal services.

10. Remove arbitrary ceiling on compassionate appointment.

11. Ensure five promotions in the serve career.

Source: www.confederationhq.blogspot.in

All India Strike on 2.9.2015 - Confederation Strike Notice & Charter of Demands

Strike Notice & Charter of Demands – All India Strike on 2.9.2015

2015 SEPTEMBER 2nd ALL INDIA STRIKE – COPY OF THE CONFEDERATION STRIKE NOTICE

All affiliated organisations shall also serve strike notice to their respective departmental heads on 11.08.2015.

CONFEDERATION OF CENTRAL GOVT. EMPLOYEES & WORKERS

1st Floor, North Avenue PO Building, New Delhi – 110001

Website: www.confederationhq.blogspot.com

Email: confederationhq@gmail.com

President 

K. K. N. Kutty

09811048303

Secretary General

M. Krishnan

09447068125

No. Confdn/Strike/2015

Dated: 11th August 2015

To

The Cabinet Secretary,

Cabinet Secretariat,

Government of India,

Rastrapathi Bhawan,

NEW DELHI – 110004

Sir,

This is to give notice that the employees who are members of the affiliated organisations of the Confederation of Central Government Employees and Workers will go on one day’s strike on 2nd September, 2015. The Charter of demands in pursuance of which the employees will embark upon the one day strike action is enclosed.

Thanking you,

Yours faithfully,

M. Krishnan,

Secretary General

ANNEXURE – I

CHARTER OF DEMANDS

1. Urgent measures for containing price-rise through universalisation of public distribution system and banning speculative trade in commodity market.

2. (a) Containing unemployment through concrete measures for employment generation.

(b) No ban on creation of new posts. Fill up all vacant posts.

3. (a) Strict enforcement of all basic labour laws without any exception or exemption and stringent punitive measure for violation for labour laws. Withdraw the anti-worker Labour Law Amendments

(b) No labour reforms which are inimical to the interest of the workers.

4. (a) Universal social security cover for all workers

(b) Scrap PFRDA Act and re-introduce the defined benefit statutory pension scheme.

5. (a) Fix minium wage with provisions of indexation.

(b) Effect wage revision of the Central Government Employees from 01.01.2014 accepting memorandum of the staff side JCM; ensure 5-year wage revision in future; grant interim relief and merger of 100% of DA; Include Gramin Dak Sevaks within the ambit of 7th CPC. Settle all anomalies of 6th CPC.

6. (a) Stoppage of disinvestment in Central/State PSUs. Stoppage of contractorisation in permanent perennial work and payment of same wage and benefits for contract workers as regular workers for same and similar work.

(b) No outsourcing, contractorisation, privatization of governmental functions; withdraw the proposed move to close down the printing presses, the publications, form stores and stationery departments and medical stores Depots; regularize the existing daily-rated/casual and contract workers and absorption of trained apprentices.

7. Removal of all ceilings on payment and eligibility of bonus, provident fund; increase the quantum of gratuity.

8. (a) Compulsory registration of trade unions within a period of 45 days from the date of submitting applications; and immediate ratification of ILO Convention C 87 and C 98.

(b) Revive the JCM functioning at all level as an effective negotiating forum for settlement of the demands of the Central Government Employees.

9. (a) Against FDI in Railways, Insurance and Defence.

(b) No Privatisation, PPP or FDI in Railways, Defence Establishment and no corporatization of Postal services.

10. Remove arbitrary ceiling on compassionate appointment.

11. Ensure five promotions in the serve career.

Source: Confederation

All India Strike on 2.9.2015 - Charter of Demands and Explanatory Notes

 Charter of Demands and Explanatory Notes - All India Strike on 2.9.2015