TRADE UNION RECORD - AITUC

21 December, 2015 – 05 January, 2016 1 Trade Union Record

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FORTNiGHTLY JOURNAL OF THe ALL iNDiA TRADe UNiON cONGReSS

Vol. 74 No. 1 New Delhi Pages 12 21 December, 2015 – 05 January 2016

TRADE UNION RECORD

The Year 2015The AITUC greets entire working class on the eve

of New Year 2016. It also sends greetings to thousands of its affiliated & friendly unions, activists all over the country. The Year 2015 was full of struggles and a large number of massive strike actions by workmen belong-ing to most crucial sectors of India economy lik Banks, Transport, Coal etc. Millions of workers participated in these strikes.

Countrywide general strike on 2nd September, 2015 was unprecedented, may be the biggest ever in the recent period. It was the first political action of the working class against neo-liberal economic policies of the BJP Govt. It was indeed a national event of great dimension. Bourgeoi-sie press could not ignore the countrywide general strike. According to Hindustan Times, a leading newspaper of the country, 15 crores of working people took part in the strike both organized and unorganized, rural and urban. The event must have its impact on the Govt. According to ASSO-CHAM, Rs. 25,000 crores have been lost due to loss of production. Responsibility of this Govt. has to bear. Trade unions negotiated with the Govt. for long, but Govt. did not change its policies. Therefore, workers had to go on strike having wage cut. Such a historic strike cannot be allowed to go waste. We have to carry forward relentlessly the struggle that the strike has unleashed. Hundreds and thousands of trade unions, unaffiliated unions as they were to any Central Trade Unions had made the strike memorable.

Since Modi came to power, series of anti worker amendments have been made or are proposed to be made to a number of crucial labour laws snatching job security from workers introducing “hire & fire”, attacking their trade union rights, permitting employers to close/shut down their undertakings if the number of employ-ees is utpo 300 as & when they like without taking any permission from govt. as was mandatory before. While

earlier the threshold number of employees was 100, it has now been raised to 300 with the result 70% to 75% undertakings are out of the purview of Act. This will obviously benefit corporates. The Govt. wants to enact labour codes, which is a concerted attack on labour rights.

Two main pillars of social security in India, namely, EPF and ESI are under attack. The Govt. have decid-ed to make both the schemes optional and to divert workers money in EPF to share market despite strong opposition from trade unions. ESI is also being diluted

and steadily being pri-vatized. The beneficiar-ies under ESI are being offered Private Health Insurance when AITUC and other trade unions are strongly against it.

Faced with growing struggles of the working class against anti worker, anti people policies of the BJP led NDA Govt. The BJP are whipping up communal passions in the country in order to spread menace of communalism in the working class so as to disrupt their unity and disorganize them. But working class emphat-ically rejects these moves of the communal forces and declares that democracy and secular atmosphere in the country is a precondition for conducting struggles for better life and in defence of our rights. Attempts on the part of communal forces to create communal atmosphere will be resisted.

A vicious hate campaign based on hostility has been unleashed by Sangh Parivar against minorities creating an atmosphere of religious intoleration and polarizing people on communal lines. False and baseless allega-tions are leveled by leaders of the Sangh Parivar and BJP against minorities. The religious intolerance has been rising in the country since BJP came to power and has shown marked jump because high level political and constitutional functionaries of the State belonging to ruling party and Sangh Parivar from Prime Minister

AiTUc WiSHeS HAPPY NeW YeAR TO ALL

iTS MeMBeRS AND FRieNDS

Contd. on page 6


Militant Agitation of Anganwadi Workers V.V.S. Murthy, Vijayawada

The ‘Chalo Vijayawada’ rally by Anganiwadi workers and Helpers turned violent when the police tried to foil the workers attempt to seize CM’s camp office at Vijay-awada on 18th Dec 2015. The workers hit the streets demanding immediate resolution of their grievances and hike in the honorarium. The police detained more than 150 persons in this connection.

By morning 9 AM Anganwadi women reached Vi-jayawada in thousands. They were all around in large numbers at the railway station, Gandhinagar, Hanuman-pet, Bus station areas. Many women were carrying their little children in their hands. Supporting the Anganwadi workers AITUC, CITU, CPI, CPI (M), IFTU and other Trade Union leaders and Activists reached Kalakshe-tram premises.

Thousands of Anganwadi workers affiliated to AITUC and CITU took out a rally from Thummalapalli Kalakshetram. While police who appeared on the scene in hundreds with ropes and lathis thwarted their plan by blocking them at Hotel Manorama Junction. However, some of them managed to reach their destination.

AITUC state general sec-retary G. Obulesu, CITU state General Secretary M.A. Gaffoor, Anganwadi Leaders J.Lalitha, S.Manjula(AITUC) K.Subbara-mamma (CITU) CPI/Dist Sec-retary, A.Vanaja, City Secretary

Donepudi Sankar spoke on the occasion and expressed their anger against Chief Minister of AP. Chandra Babu who appointed a cabinet subcommittee, which recom-mended Rs. 7100 and Rs. 4,600 for the Anganwadi Workers and Helpers respectively and also promised that the wage increase would be effective from Sep-tember first. But the govt. delayed issuing a G.O, on

the same. The Govt. is also not paying wages for the last five months. That is the reason for the Anganwadi workers to come on the roads with hunger and shouting slogans against the Govt.

Additional force was deployed at Governorpet in anticipation of Trouble. Tussle ensued between police

Contd. on next page


and Anganwadi workers. When the later tried to lay seize on the CM’s camp office. When the police used force as many as 60 workers sustained injuries and many workers fainted. They were rushed to the nearby hospitals.

Tension Prevailed on MG.Road when the protest-ers led by YSRCP leader K.P.Saradhy raised slogans against Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu.The leaders slammed the police high handedness and said that the workers were only fighting for their rights.

AITUC leaders G.Obulesu, Chalasani Ramarao, R.Ravindranath, R.Hari Krishna, V.Radha Krishna Mur-thy, S.V.Subbaiah, J.Lalitha, S.Manjula, CITU leaders V.Uma Maheswararao, Subbaramamma, supraja and others were all detained briefly.

CPI state secretary K.Rama Krishna condemned the police action. On hearing about it the CM who is

Contd. from pre. page: Militant Agitation of Anganwadi Workersin Hyderabad is said to have directed the police de-partment to regain control without using force in such a situation.

CM Chandrababu Naidu made a statement in the A.P. Legislature that the wages of Anganwadi workers and Helpers will be raised from the present Rs.4200 to Rs.7000 and from Rs. 2200 to Rs.4500 and the enhanced wages will come into effect from April 1st of Next year.

After the C.M. announcement AITUC State general Secretary Sri G. Obulesu addressed the Anganwadi’s huge gathering, Mr. Chandrababu has come down one step with the heroic battle of Anganwadi workers and announced the above said wages. But we are not ready to believe and accept the same without releasing the G.O. with effect from September 2015 what cabinet subcommittee had announced earlier.

The Taxi operators Kolkata gheraod commissionrateThe taxi operators gathered at CIT

Moad of Beliaghat and marched to the commissionrate office to seek justice in the case of missing taxi driver Kusheshwar Pandey. They were led by Naval Kishore Srivastava, general Secretary of Kolkata Taxi Operators Union and Convenor of West Bengal Taxi Operators Co-ordination Committee. the wife of the missing taxi driver also participated. The taxi operators laid gherao of the Commisionrate, while the eight member delegation met Vidhan Nagar District Commissioner Shri Nishant Parvez and submitted memorandum demanding suspension of the police officials who have failed in their responsibility to trace the missing person and not informing the family about arrests made in the case for 25 days. Mohammad Akhtar, Mohmmad Mushtaq, Shankar Yadav, Pradeep Pathak, Prabir Das

accompanied Naval Kishore Srivastava in a delegation to DC.

The ralliest also addressed by Naval Kishore Srivastava, Kumaresh Kundu, Keshav Banerjee and Arun Chatterjee.

AiTUc Support Massive Morcha of Asha Workers at Nagpur

Maharashtra Asha Workers took out a morcha on their demands in front of Assembly at Nagpur, Morcha was led by Shamkale, Dalip Utane, Raju Desle, Shankar Pujari and Namdev Chauhan among others. The delegation of the organization met the State Health Minister Mr. Deepak Samwat, who gave patient hearing to the demands of Asha workers. He promised to take up their demands to the cabinet and also assured that the Asha Workers will not be asked to resign. The Asha Workers were mobilized by their leaders Sujata Bhagat, Sandhya Maheshkar, Pratibha Waghmere & Suchita Kadhke.


AiTUc Struggles in Andhra PradeshG. Obulesu

As per the decisions taken in the state working committee meeting held at Vijayawada on 7-11-2015 against anti working class policies of Chandrababu Naidu government massive trade union programmes were conducted through out the state in the first phase programme.

3-12-2015: Asha workers in 6 districts conducted massive dharnas in front of collector offices demanding minimum wage instead of honorarium, 2) Workers to

be recognised as medical employees and job security. Hundreds of health workers participated in each district.

4-12-2015: In all 13 districts of Andhra Pradesh Hamalies went on massive agitation demanding hama-lies welfare act for loading and unloading workers. Also demanding enhancement of present kata rate from Rs.12/- to Rs.24/-.

7-12-2015: Building and Construction workers of 10 districts of A.P. conducted large scale agitation pro-grammes demanding modification and increase in the facilities enacted in BOCW Act 1996 and against diversion of huge amount of rupees one thousand one hundred and thirty six cross of welfare board funds. The govt of Telangana State has already modified and doubled their benefits. The A.P. State Govt should do the same.

8-12-2015: Auto workers conducted state wide agitation demanding licence for all experienced drivers and enact Auto workers welfare act to protect the interest of lakhs of Auto workers in the state at par with BOCW Act.

9-12-2015: A.P. Medical Contract workers went on agitation demanding immediate regularisation of their services and implementation of the minimum wages as per the Government Orders were issued by the State Government labour authorities.

10-12-2015: Mid day meal workers surrounded collectorates all over the state demanding immediate payment of pending 6 months bills and immediate pay-ment of honorarium of Rs. 1500/- as declared by the government of A.P.

Under the leadership of AITUC, the direct recruit village revenue assistants are on continuous agitation since November 2nd demanding payment of salaries at par with regular record assistants. Promotions also

given at the rate of 70%.Since December 11th Anganwadi

teachers and Ayaas are on agitation path demanding implementation of wage revision announced on 6-8-2015. Agitation is inten-sifying day by day.

Along with AITUC State main office bearers like G. Obulesu General Secretary, President Ch.V. Ramarao, Deputy General Secretary R. Ravindranath and the State leaders of the above said federations such as Smt. Gangavathi from Asha, Venkatasu-

bbayya, Challa Chinna Anjeneya from Hamalies Palla Suryarao, Padala Ramana, S. Sunkayya from Build-ing & Construction workers, Vamanamurthy, Murali, Mallikarjuna from Auto Unions, Pudota Prakash and Manohar Manikyam from Medical Contract workers union, Bhagyalakshmi and Muralidhar from Mid day meal workers union took part in the huge rallies and massive demonstrations before Collectrates.

In this scenario, a joint convention of all trade unions was held at Vijayawada on 13-12-2015 against callous attitude of the government. It was decided to intensify

joint agitations against anti working class polices of the government at the time of A.P. Assembly budget sessions which is going to be held 2016 March.


Bokaro ispat Kamgar Union to hold conference in MarchThe Steel Sector Union leaders will meet in Rourke-

la on 6th January to take decision in regard to actions to press upon the managements for implementation of long pending demands on Bonus, Housing rent among others.

This information was provided by Comrade Anirudh, Asst. General Secretary of All India Steel workers fed-eration after the meeting of the executive committee of Bokaro Ispat Kamgar Union which was held on 22nd

December at Bokaro. The meeting was held in the chairmanship of Com. A.K.Ahmad, where the situation in steel industry was assessed. The meeting also took organizational matters and decided to hold the confer-ence in March, 2016.

Prior to the that all the unit conferences will be held, delegates will be properly elected and this task will be accomplished in the month of January, it was informed.

AiTUc Support Mass Meetings at chutia in BALcO coal Mines

A mass meeting was organized at Chutia Coal Mines workers of BALCO by Aluminum Employees Un-ion affiliated to AITUC. The meeting was presided over by Com. Vishnu Mangal. The Secretary Com. Karman Das explained detail about the problems of coal workers and requested the AITUC leadership to intervene and resolve the situation.

The State General Secretary of AITUC and Pres-ident of BALCO Union Com. Harinath Singh, General Secretary of the Union Com. M.L.Rajak also addressed the meetings. The problem of contract workers and land loosers displaced persons was dealt with and demanded to resolve the problem.

The AITUC leaders warned the management

against taking anti-labour displacement policy. They call upon the workmen to prepare militant action and agitation against BALCO management.

AiTUc in the forefront Delhi civic employees hold militant demonstration

Thousands of Civic sector workers held militant demonstration on 29th Dec. at CIVIC Centre Delhi protesting non-payment of wages for last two months. The demostration was organised under the banner of Swatantra Mazdoor Samyukt Morcha. They started procession from Babu Jagjivan Ram Samta Sathal and marched all the way to CIVIC Centre. The president of the Morcha Santlal Chavaria said that Modi Govt. and

Kejriwal Govt. both are responsible for the plight of these workers for not getting wages for two months. AITUC President-Delhi and Treasurer of the Morcha Com. Ramraj accussed the MLAs, Mayors and the political parties ruling in the Centre and State for the plight of municipal workers. He said if their demands are not settled by 26 January 2016 then they would be forced to have complete strike.


Gujarat AiTUc concludes its conference13th Conference of Gujarat state AITUC was held

on 5-6 December, 2015 at Bhalchander Trivedi hall. The Conference was officially inaugurated by hoisting of red flag by veteran trade union leader Azimbhai Shekh. The Conference was proceeded under the presidium consisting of SJ Prasad, Meghji Bhai Ma-heshwari, Ram Sagar Parihar, Pushpaben Sharma and Kishan Singh Jhala. After adoption of condolence

resolution and welcome address by Manhar Patel, Chairperson of reception committee, Com. Raj Kumar presented report of activities of AITUC for last three years. The report noted that Modi Govt. coming to centre has increased the oppression of big corporate companies on labour rights. The state Govt. of Gujarat has been in the front ranks in changing labour laws

deteriment to the interest of workers and with the present Govt. in the centre it has further worsened the situation. The contractorisation is common practice as regular employment is almost nill.

The conference was attended by 114 delegates from six districts and several of the comrades contribut-ed to the discussion on report. Several resolutions were adopted including the resolution on seeking stringent

action of violation of labour laws, another one seeking recruitment in Govt. depts., abolition of contract system, more opportunities for local youth for employment etc.

In the new team, SJ Prasad was elected president with five Vice presidents, Raj Kumar Singh as Gen. Secy, & Vijay Shenmare as Deputy General Secy. with eight secretaries, Ashok Kahar as Secy. Cum Treasurer.

Contd. from page 1: (The Year 2015)onwards to Governors, Chief Ministers, Union Ministers, leading BJP leaders including Parliamentarians speak-ing in highly communal language bordering on bigotry and making highly irresponsible statements against minorities, spreading hatred against them and creating fear in the name of “love jihad” and “ghar whapsi”. The Prime Minister himself injected communal angle in Bihar elections when he said that there was a conspiracy to carve out a quota for minorities from the quota of SC/ST in order to polarize voters communally.

The sharp rise in prices has made life of ordinary people miserable. The price rise is due to disastrous economic policies of free market economy and neo liber-al economism which BJP led NDA Govt. is implementing in most aggressive form ever since they came to power nearly 2 years back. While corporates are being given

concession after concessions, no action is being taken to curb the price rise. Hoarding and profiteering is going on freely in the country. Forward trading in foodgrains and essential commodities is also going on.

The All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC) & other trade unions have since long been demanding revival of Public Distribution System all over the country and universalise it so that all essential commodities are distributed at fixed prices. They have also been demand-ing Land Reforms, massive investment in Agriculture/irrigation in order to stop distress in rural India.

AITUC calls upon all to prepare for the next phase of struggle to carry forward the struggle in more militant & massive form. The Central Trade Unions are meeting on 18th January 2016 in INTUC office, Bhaiveer Singh Marg, New Delhi at 11 a.m. to chalk out further course of actions.


AiTUc Demonstrations before Authorities

All India General Mazdoor Trade Union Kamgar affiliated to AITUC demonstrated before Labour Com-missioner of Delhi Govt. and Lt. Governor Officer on the issues of minimum wages, implementation of labour laws, against corrupt practices of Labour department

officials and against firing of contractual workmen from different private Hospitals. Huge number of workmen participated in the demonstration expressing their anger in militantly slogan shouting and gheraod the office of Labour Commissioner situated at Somnath Marg from 11.am to 1.pm. More than 1500 workmen took part in the demonstration.

A delegation of Union leaders headed by President Com. Pramod Kumar Rajput alongwith Vice- president Com.B.K.Tiwari and CPI Dist. Secretary Com. Amir Haider met with Joint Labour Commissioner Mr.B.S.Ar-ya and Addl. Labout Commissioner Rajendera Dhar and submitted a memorandum and Charter of demands. It

was alleged in the memorandum that Labour depart-ment office is functioning as office of AAP Party office and corrupt practises are in full swing. Memorandum alleged that Labour office is not taking interest on raised industrial disputes and complain of the workmen, La-bour laws and rights of workmen is being violeted and workmen are being penalized for forming Trade Unions and trade union activists are being dismised. Delegation expressed the anger and warned that if labour unrest will not be solved amicably, industrial unrest will affect adversely. Joint Labour Commissioner assured that after a fourtnight effective measure will be taken to resolve the issues of the workmen.

After demonstration before LC office procession marched to Lt. Governor's office in the leadership of Union President Com. Pramod Kumar Rajput, General Secretary Rameshwar Bhartiya, Vice President B.K.Ti-wari, CPI Dist. Sec. Amir Haider. They also addressed the rally and other whose spoke included Ali Saini, Sanjay Shukla, Md. Salim, Raj Kumar Rajput and Ram Bhagat Kanausia. They warned the Delhi Govt.against atrocities on labour and exploitation with the connivance of employers and labour department. They warned that if fired workmen will not be given their jobs back and legal issues alognwith minimum wages will not be implemented properly the govt. will be responsible for industrial Unrest.

A delegation of Com. Pramod Kr. Rajput, Ramesh-war Bhartiya and Sanjay Shukla met with officer in-charge of Lt. Governor, Mr. Sharma and submitted a memorandum and charter of demands along with list of pending issues before Labour Department.

Joint Action by AiTUc and ciTUAnganwadi Workers on agitation path in Punjab

The Punjab State unions of Anganwadi workers affil-iated to AITUC and CITU have been in agitation jointly in various districts to push forth their demands.

Ms Saroj Chhappriwal informed that they have been organising relay hunger strike for about two weeks in Jala-labad. The administration officials have been visiting the hunger strikers but no solution to end the strike in sight.

The anganwadi workers & helpers have been fighting for recognition as govt. employees & till then the status of workers and coverage under the laws for workers.


SecL union leader Markandey Singh is no moreComrade Markendey

Singh, General Secretary of SECL union affiliate of AITUC succumbed to his cancer illness on 22nd De-cember, at Raipur, Chhattis-garh. He was born in 1932, and was recruited through sportsperson quota in Ra-jnagar mines in Anooppur in Madhya Pradesh at the

age of 18 years. In 1967 he became a union activist along with Hari Narain Lal in an independent union. He later on came in contact with Comrade Manilal Jain a popular trade union leader and joined in the formation of Rajnagar Colliery Mazdoor Sabha. His journey with AITUC began with this. He was jailed for 36 days during emergency. He was also a proud leader of 84 days long strike in coal mines.

He served several unions in various capacities as office bearer. On 1989 he had been awarded as best trade unionist. He served the workers cause for almost sixty years.

His sudden illness one & half month ago was shock to the trade union movement in the coal sector specially in Rajnagar area. The treatment at Mumbai and Raipur also could not save his life. He was paid

rich tributes by the large gathering of workers in Ra-jnagar where his body was brought. His family took him to Varanasi for last rites. Com. Ramendra Kumar president AITUC & prominent leader of Coal sector sent the condolence message immediately to the bereaved family & termed it as loss to coal workers organization.

condolence on demise ofcom. Markandey Singh

AITUC Secretariat deeply condoles the sad demise of Com. Markandey Singh on 22.12.2015 after a prolonged illness of cancer. Com. Markandey Singh’s lifelong contribution towards the cause of coal workers is commendable. He was General Secretary of SECL Mazdoor Union of AITUC and remained ac-tively associated till his death. He was an important and militant leader of coal workers of the country. His demise is irreparable loss to the coal workers trade union movement as well as State and Central AITUC which cannot be filled up.

AITUC pays its homage to Markandey Singh’s family and activists of Madhya Pradesh State Commit-tee of AITUC and coal workers union and federation.

Gurudas Das GuptaGeneral Secretary

Tributes to com. Panchram ParasharHimachal Pradesh trade union leader Com. Panchram Parashar died on 6 Nov. 2015. It is great loss to

Himachal trade union movements. The state President of HPWDIPH Employee’s Union. Comrade Inder Rana expressed his deep sorrow and payed tributes to Com. Panchram Parashar saying that he was beloved leader of 4th grade employees of Himachal Pradesh. He was dedicated and well knowledgeable person.

Along with Com. Inder Rana Dist. AITUC, President Com. Mahendra Singh Kahla, Dist General Secretary Sarwan Singh Saini, Jagar Singh Kapoor, Jeet Singh Saini & others payed tributes on demise of Com. Parashar.

Obituary

P.N. Writer Union Gurgaon Holds Gate meeting

The workers of PN Riter have been awaiting for talks on the charter of demands they had submitted to the management. With no negotiations taking place with the worker's unions organized gate meeting addressed by districts AITUC leader Anil Panwar. Others who addressed included the secretary of the union Bharat Lal, Rajpal, Navraj & Yogesh from Napino, Vijay Kumar, Ravi Kumar from Napino Udyog Vihar, Dil Singh Yadav from M.K. Auto Union.


AiTUc delegation meets divisional commissioner in Gurgaon led by Anil Panwar with comrades Suresh Ram Nivas Yadav, Shiv Kant, Gopal Prasad, Bharata

Lal, Pushkar, Amresh, Suresh Solanki, Jai Singh, Ramesh Yadav, Balram Tripathi, Lokender Sharam,

They sought intervention for resolution to the grievances of workers in Rewari.

All india Strike in Banks on 8th January, 2016By c H Venkatachalam, General Secretary, AiBeA

At the call of All India Bank Employees’ Association, bank employees in workmen cadre in public sector banks, old generation private sector banks and foreign banks will observe one day protest strike on 8th January, 2016. The strike call has been given to protest against the violation of bilateral settlement by the 5 Associate Banks of State Bank of India ( State Bank of Travancore, State Bank of Mysore, State Bank of Patiala, State Bank of Hyderabad and State Bank of Bikaner and Jaipur) and their attempt to force unilateral service conditions on the employees.

In May 2015 a common Settlement was signed between Indian Banks’ Association (IBA-management body) and All India Bank Employees’ Association (AIBEA). which defined the duties and remuneration of the employees for undertaking various jobs in the Banks. The 5 Associate Banks are parties to this Set-tlement and hence are governed by the Settlement. In SBI, there are different set of service conditions based on in-house agreement in SBI between the management and the Union in SBI. This agreement is

not applicable to other Banks. But the managements of the 5 Associate Banks are implementing the service conditions of SBI in the Associate Banks which is ille-gal and violation of the Settlement. AIBEA has been protesting against this illegal action of the management but management has now unilaterally changed the service conditions without holding any discussion or agreement with the Union.

We gave the call for strike on 1st and 2nd Dec. 2015 but at the intervention of the Dy. Chief Labour Commissioner, Delhi, the strike was deferred to pave the way for resolving the issue by mutual discussions. But managements of the Associate Banks are adamant and are going ahead with the illegal action.

Hence we have given the call for strike on 8th January, 2016 to protest against this illegal action of the managements. The strike will affect the normal banking services in the Banks all over the country but the strike has been forced on us because of the refusal of the management to withdraw their illegal action and resolve the problems by mutual discussions.

'Save MNReGA Day' observed in HaryanaHaryana BKMU observed “Save MNREGS” day

all over the state with dharna meetings, demonstra-tion before various dist. administrations buildings and submitted memorandum and charter of demands for enhancement of budgetary amount, 200 days minimum work in a year, Rs. 500 per day minimum daily wages and expansion of employment guarantee act towards urban area, stoppage of social atrocities upon S.C & OBC and sexual harassment of women.

Zind: An effective dharna was observed before mini-secretariat of Zind on 9th December, 2015. Dharna was presided by Com. Maniram Belrakha. State General Secretary of BKMU Com. Prem Singh addressed the dharna. He explained about anti MANREGA Policy of the Modi Govt. and blamed that the govt. wants to dilute this act and employment guarantee schemes which is a reactionary approach. He called upon the agricultured workers to fight back thse retrograde policies. Com. Virbhan Jangra, Satpal Sarova, Rajveer, Sheela Devi, Mani Ram etc. also addressed the dharna.

Panipat: Dharna was organised before office of the Dy. Commissioner Panipat on 9th December, 2015. Dist. Secretary of BKMU Com. Harpal Singh Ranga, CPI Dist. Sec Seva Sing Lalhige, Pooja Thakur, Inder Singh, Sannover Rana, D.P.Mishra, Virendera Singh,

Ramchandra & Rampal addressed the participants. Com. Satish Rana presided over the dharna.

Bilaspur: Dharna was observed before Sub Divisional office of Bilaspur by BKMU comrades and shouted slogans against and people Policy of Govt.

Dharna was addressed by state Vice president of BKMU and Dist. Secy. Faqir Chandra.


cPi Leader intervenes in discussion onPayment of Bonus (Amendment) Bill 2015 in Parliament

Intervention by Shri C.N. Jayadevan, Member Parliament, Lok Sabha from Thrissur, Kerala:Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, thank you for giving me this opportunity to speak on the Payment of Bonus

(Amendment) Bill, 2015. Sir, this Bill is brought for enhancing the eligibility limit of the employees for pay-ment of bonus from Rs.10,000 per mensem to Rs. 21,000 per mensem, and to raise the calculation ceiling from Rs.3,500 per mensem to Rs.7,000 per mensem for the minimum wage or the scheduled employment as fixed by the appropriate government whichever is higher. This enhancement of limits does not make any difference considering the inflation and consequent rise in the wages of the employees over the years since the last amendment was made. Basically, the payment of bonus is supplement to wages and therefore taken as deferred wages. Linking bonus partly to profit sharing may at the most be construed as to what extent the deferred wage is to be accepted over and above the prescribed minimum limit which at present is 8.33 per cent even in case of no profit. Therefore, fixing the payment and eligibility limit is extraneous to the concept and meaning of bonus. Moreover, the Supreme Court has already said that bonus is a part of salary and there should not be any ceiling on it, both for the eligibility limit and calculation ceiling. Almost all the central trade unions have demanded for the removal of conditions on payment of ceiling and eligibility limits in a series of meetings with the Government. I, in the name of my party the Communist Party of India, request the Govern-ment to reconsider their demand in this regard and bring about a fresh amendment to the Payment of Bonus Act to remove all conditions on payment of ceiling and eligibility limits.


Statement on the international Migrants Day Ratify and implement the 1990 UN convention and the iLO convention 143

On the occasion of the International Migrant Day World Asian Workers Organization (WAWO) expresses its solidarity to the Migrants and Refugees from Syria and all the other countries. WAWO fully support their demands for dignified humane conditions and respect of their fundamental rights. Mr. Peter A Newns Founder President, Haji Muhammad Saeed Arian Founder/Sec-retary General. Mrs. Atia Saleem Chairperson Waheed Ahmad Ch Advocate Legal Advisor WAWO said that millions of people are seeking the economic and so-cial opportunities and denied them due to poverty and lack of development, with women migrating in equal numbers to men in search of work. Millions more are fleeing war, political repression and the accelerating impacts of climate change. Women and Children make up three quarters of the Global refugee population. They said that WAWO is at the forefront of this Soli-darity, calling for the right to work and social protection for refugees, equal treatment for migrant workers, opening up of regular migration channels, an end to abusive recruitment practices, fair representation of the multiple dimensions of migration in the media; and denouncing expressions of racism, xenophobia and

intolerance. Journalists too are standing up for the rights of migrants. They demanded for the immediate end of all imperialist interventions.

They ask from the International Organizations to support the countries of origin of economic immigrants and of the political refugees. Stop anti-immigration and xenophobic rhetoric and highlight benefits of migration. Recognise the essential role that migrants plays in to-day’s in globalise economy. They also urge for the ensure of the right to work and social protection for refugees. Integrate migrant workers and refugees in National Labour markets, through active labour market policies.

Respect, protect and fulfil the rights of all workers, including migrant workers, as laid out in international labour and Human Rights Treaties. They called for: Stop the measures of the European Union for the repression in the borders. Direct transfer of the refugees from the islands and the entry points to the countries of their final destination. Increase of the personnel and the in-frastructure for the rescue, the record identification, the housing, feeding, medical care and the safe transfer of the people. Creation of dignified centers of welcoming and hospitality.

iNTeRNATiONAL

Protests continue against repression of refugees in AustraliaWhile a recent report has put the number of refugees and displaced people in the world at 60 million, the

highest ever, the Australian government continues to implement its draconian and cruel anti-refugee policies. For International Human Rights Day on 10 December, a series of protests were held around Australia, including actions co-ordinated by the teacher’s union. Eighteen asylum seekers from Bangladesh are currently on hunger strike to protest against their ongoing imprisonment. Australia’s policies have directly resulted in a number of deaths of asylum seekers.

War on Terror continues of Terrorise workersIn the aftermath of the indiscriminate mass murders in Paris, European governments have used this tragedy

to step up war efforts and curtail civil liberties. The United Kingdom is the latest European power to enter the war effort in West Asia. Amid the carnage on the ground, the various imperialists are also clashing due to their competing and conflicting interests. The losers of these wars and repression are the workers of all countries. In Syria, the civilian opposition is constantly under attack while fleeing working class families are increasingly being met with hostility and repression. Workers around the world need to organise against war and terror.

South Korean Workers defy government crackdownLast week we reported on the numerous union offices that have been raided by police in an attempt to in-

timidate a growing anti-government movement that is spear headed by Korean workers. As a response to these attacks, labour and human rights activists called for another demonstration for Saturday the 5th of December. Despite an intense campaign by the government to attempt to intimidate workers and their supporters, tens of thousands of people came out to show their opposition to government policies.


TRADe UNiON RecORD RNi No.931/57 Delhi Postal Regd. No DL (c) -01/1348/2015-16-1721 Dec 2015– 05-Jan. 2016 Printing Date: 2 January, 2016 Posted at NDPSO on 05-06 January, 2016

Printed & Published by Gurudas Das Gupta, on behalf of the All India Trade Union Congress, 35-36 DDU Marg, N. Delhi-110002, Ph. 23217320/23220264, E-mail: [email protected], [email protected] Printed at G.C. Printers, 242, Shah Palace,

Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, New Delhi-110002 Composed By Aanklan Softwares, New Delhi-1, Tel : 23382815

“chalo Delhi” Programme of Anganwadi Workers on 15th Feb’ 2016

All India Anganwadi Workers Federation – AITUC along with other constituents of Samyukta Morcha of Anganwadi Employees’ Federations has decided for a ‘ Chalo Delhi’ programme on 15th February 2016.

About 26 lakhs Anganwadi workers and helpers are deeply agitated at the stand taken by the Union Government for the last one year. Anganwadi as a part of ICDS is the only programme addressing the issue of malnutrition of the pregnant and nursing mothers and children of 0-6 years age group throughout the country. There is an urgent need to universalise the scheme with quality to help the poor vulnerable women and children of the country.

On the contrary the BJP Government is working against the scheme by reducing the budget alloca-tions drastically. We have already represented to the Finance Minister Mr. Arun Jaitly and Women and Child Development Minister Mrs. Maneka Gandhi several times, but no action have come through. At a juncture when ICDS has completed 40 years, the warning situation has come to “SAVE ICDS”. Further, the hon-orium of Anganwadi workers has not been increased since 2011, during which period prices have gone up by multiple times. .Hence it has been decided to have a strong joint action by the Samyukta Morcha consist-

ing of Anganwadi Federations belonging to 6 Central Trade Unions - INTUC, AITUC, HMS, CITU, AIUTUC, and AICCTU. Thus, the Samyukta Morcha has given a call for a ‘Chalo Delhi’ programme before the budget session of the Parliament on 15th Feb’ 2016.

Comrades, prepare yourselves to come in un-precederted numbers to give a warning to the Union Government.

Our Demands:-

1. Budget Allocation for ICDS to be increased to Rs. 35,000 crores to ensure proper infrastructure, good quality nutritional food to the beneficiaries and decent living conditions to the employees.

2. ICDS Schemes should be made permanent.

3. Anganwadi Workers and Helpers must be regularised as Class III and Class IV government employees respectively. Pending regulatisation they shall be paid Minimum wages not less than Rs. 15000 per month, social security benefits including pension of Rs.3000/- per month.

4. No privatisation of ICDS in any form.With Greetings,

USHA SAHNi Dr. B.V. ViJAYALAKSHMiPresident General Secretary

PReSS STATeMeNT Dated 30.12.2015

Mass Scale Victimisation of Aganwadi Workersin AP AiTUc condemns

It is a matter of great sorrow that the State Govt. of Andhra Pradesh headed by Mr. Chandrababu Naidu issues a Govt. memo (Memo No.,5557/K3/2015 dated 21.12.2015) giving orders to prepare name-wise list of the Anganwadi workers and helpers to remove them from service who participated in the protest dharna on 18.12.2015 at Vijayawada.

In a democratic country like ours, every citizen has a right to express their opinion and has got a right to protest. After all, what was the demand of the workers who are paid a meager honorarium? They demanded for the issuance of Govt. order for the already promised

amount through announcement by the Chief Minister in the month of August 2015 for increasing their hon-orarium from the month of September 2015. However, until December it was not issued. So just demanding for the implementation of the announcement, makes a woman worker ineligible for the job facing termination.

AITUC urges the State Govt. to withdraw this order immediately.

(Gurudas Das Gupta) General Secretary

TRADE UNION RECORD - AITUC

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