Stay United To Mark the 2nd September Strike a Success

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2nd September All India General Strike

FLASH NEWS FROM NFPE FEDERATION

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 right direction.

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

1.    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 44thIndian 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?    

2.    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?

3.    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 rights 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 rights 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 right-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 ?

4.    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 rights 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?

5.    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.

6.    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.

7.    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.

NFPE ZINDABAD

Central Trade Unions may reconsider the proposed call of strike on 2nd September

Press Information Bureau 

Government of India

Ministry of Labour & Employment

27-August-2015 21:05 IST

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 27thAugust, 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.

Seventh Pay Commission gets additional time margin

7 वें केन्द्रीय वेतन आयोग की अवधि में विस्तार 

प्रधानमंत्री श्री नरेन्द्र मोदी की अध्यक्षता में हुई केंद्रीय मंत्रिमंडल की बैठक में आज 7 वें केन्द्रीय वेतन आयोग की अवधि में चार महीनों के विस्तार यानि 31.12.2015. तक, की मंजूरी दी गयी है।

पृष्ठभूमि:

केंद्र सरकार ने 7 वें केन्द्रीय वेतन आयोग गठन 28.2.2014 को किया गया था। आयोग का गठन दिनांक 28.2.2014 के जिस प्रस्ताव द्वारा किया गया है उसके अनुसार इसके गठन की तारीख से 18 महीने के भीतर इसे अपनी सिफारिश देनी थी और यह समय सीमा 27 अगस्त 2015 को समाप्त हो रही है।

काम की मात्रा और हितधारकों से विचार-विमर्श गहनता के मद्देनजर, 7 वें केन्द्रीय वेतन आयोग ने सरकार से यह अवधि 31.12.2015. तक यानि चार महीनें बढाने के लिए अनुरोध किया था। 

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Seventh Pay Commission May Recommend Permanent Pay Panel

New Delhi: The Seventh Pay Commission is likely to recommend the government to form a permanent pay panel to give recommendations to the government from time to time on issues pertaining to pay structure of central government employees. The four-member Seventh Central Pay Commission team headed by its Chairman Justice A K Mathur (second from right siting). The permanent pay panel would recommend regular salary hikes in keeping with the rate of inflation. The formation of the permanent pay panel would help raise the salaries and allowances of central government officials and employees, an official of the pay panel said.

He added the permanent pay panel would recommend salary and allowance hikes in keeping with the rising inflation rate, which will be implemented by the government. “Then it will not be necessary to form a new commission during the next several years for central government employees.”
However, the Seventh Pay Commission got one month extension to submit its recommendations.
Accordingly it is expected to submit its report by the end of September. The time allotted for the commission ends this month.

The government appointed the Seventh Pay Commission on 28 February 2014 under chairman, Justice Ashok Kumar Mathur, with a time frame of 18 months to make its recommendations “There are some data points that are missing, which we hope to get by this month end. We are trying to submit the report by 20 September,” the official of the pay panel also said. The government’s salary bill will rise by 9.56% to Rs 1,00,619 crore with the implementation of the recommendations of the Seventh Pay Commission, according to a statement tabled in Parliament by Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on August 12. The recommendations of the Seventh Pay Commission, is likely to be implemented in April, next year.

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HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY TO ALL COMRADES

DIVISIONAL UNION WRITES TO SSRM, AMSD ON DENIAL OF GRANT OF SPECIAL CL TO DEC MEMBERS TO ATTEND DEC MEETINGS.

No.  AMSD/NFPE/R-III/DEC MEETING/2015                                                             10.08.2015

To                                                                                                                           

The Sr. Superintendent of RMS

Airmail Sorting Division

Mumbai-400099

Sub:  Special CL for Divisional Executive Committee Meeting, regarding….

Ref: Your office letter No. D-2/Union/NFPE –III/DEC/01-MAY/2015 dated 30.04.2015 and 06.08.2015.

Respected Sir,

         

With reference to your above cited letter it is intimated that your office letter dated 30.04.2015 was delivered to this union on 01.05.2015 during the course of DEC meeting by the HRO, AMSD Staff. Since the DEC Meeting has already commenced as per the notice of this union dated 17.04.2015 the question of adjusting weekly off in consultation with HRO, AMSD, Mumbai does not arise. Further your office letter dated stipulates to hold future DEC Meeting on holidays and outside office hours and not the meeting dated 01.05.2015 notice of which was well served in time on 17.04.2015. Hence denial of grant of Special CL for the said DEC Meeting would not be a healthy state of affairs. This union therefore requests to regularize the DEC Meeting period dated 01.05.2015 by grant of special CL.

       Secondly this union would like to intimate that none of the offices except APSO Foreign has fixed holidays in AMSD, Mumbai-400099. Further the office hours of all the offices in AMSD, Mumbai are different and are functioning in different Sets. Hence it may kindly be clarified as to how DEC meeting should be arranged on holidays which are not fixed in AMSD and after office hours which are also not fixed as Post offices (i.e. from 09.30 to 05.30) in AMSD and how it will be regulated. This Union has also enquired with its counter parts in other Division and found that Special CL is being granted to them for attending DEC meetings. Moreover, the Dte. Lr No. 54-13/71-SPB-II dated 31.07.2014 reference of which is quoted by your office in above cited letter does not prohibit grant of Special CL for attending DEC meetings and only stipulates an understanding being reached in Departmental JCM that as far as possible to hold DEC Meetings on holidays and after office hours which is not practicable in AMSD, Mumbai due to the reasons quoted above.   

Therefore considering the nature of functioning of different units under AMSD and union office bearers working in it, this union would once again request you to maintain the true spirit of trade union facility by granting special CL to the union office bearers to attend the DEC meetings to avoid unnecessary hardships to arrangement of office staff. This union also once again assures that it will as far as possible arrange the DEC meeting on lean day i.e. Monday so as to enable the office to maintain the staff strength.  

Regards,

                                      Yours faithfully

                  

                                                                                                                       

P D Ranit

Divisional Secretary

AI RMS & MMS E. U. Gr-C,

AMSD, Mumbai-400099