TRUMPET SOUNDED - MAKE THIS STRIKE A THUNDERING SUCCESS
Workers are not beggars
Confederation declared 48 hours nationwide strike of Central
Government Employees on 12th &13th FEB 2014
demanding settlement of 15 point Charter of Demands including DA Merger,
Interim Relief, Inclusion of Gramin Dak Sewaks in 7th CPC,
Regularization & Revision of wages for casual labours , Date of effect of 7th
CPC as 1/1/2014, Rescind the PFRDA Act etc.
Start campaign and preparation now onwards. Each Affiliated organizations
should issue separate circulars to all the state and district units and conduct
department wise campaign. Strike notice should be served by each organization
to their Head of the departments
MAKE THIS STRIKE A
THUNDERING SUCCESS
CONFEDERATION OF CENTRAL GOVT. EMPLOYEES & WORKERS
1st Floor, North Avenue PO Building,
New Delhi – 110001
Website: WWW. Confederationhq.blogspot.com
Circular No. 11
Dated 12.1.2014
Workers are not Beggars
Dear Comrades,
Confederation declared 48 hours nationwide strike of Central Government
Employees on 12th &13th FEB 2014 demanding settlement of 15 point Charter
of Demands including DA Merger, Interim Relief, Inclusion of Gramin Dak
Sewaks in 7th CPC, Regularization & Revision of wages for casual labours ,
Date of effect of 7th CPC as 1/1/2014, Rescind the PFRDA Act etc.
Start campaign and preparation now onwards. Each Affiliated organizations
should issue separate circulars to all the state and district units and conduct
department wise campaign. Strike notice should be served by each organization
to their Head of the departments.
MAKE THIS STRIKE A THUNDERING
SUCCESS
MASS DHARNA AT JANTAR MANTAR. NEW
DELHI on 9th JANUARY, 2014
In culmination of the first phase of our agitation programme a mass
dharna was organized at Jantar Mantar, New Delhi on 9th January,
2014 in pursuance of the 15 point charter of demands. As per the
decision of the National Sectt., all Secretariat members along with the leaders
and workers of Delhi State was to take part in the Dharna. However, quite
a number of comrades from various other parts of the country volunteered to
participate in the programme, despite the chilling weather conditions of Delhi,
which reflected the growing determination of the rank and file of the workers
to fight for the demands and to win the same. Com.KKN.Kutty National President
presided. The Dharna was inaugurated by Com. S.K. Vyas, Adviser ,
Confederation which preceded by a welcome speech delivered by Com. Vrighu
Bhattacharya, Secretary, Delhi State Committee. Leaders of almost all
major affiliates of the Confederation and other Sectt. Members addressed the
participants. Com. A.K. Padmanabhan, President, CITU while greeting the
participants in the Dharna, stressed the need for a long and sustained struggle
to win the demand. While concluding and congratulating the participants
for the large turnout, Com. Secretary General said that a meeting of the
National Executive of the Confederation is scheduled to meet on the next
day. He added that National Executive will evaluate the developments of
the last few months and will decide upon the date of commencement of the
impending strike action. The Dharna programme which was commenced at 11.00 AM
was concluded at 3.00PM, when Com. Parasar on behalf of the National Sectt.
thanked the participants and the Delhi State Committee.
National Sectt. Meeting on 9.1.2014.
The Sectt. Members who took part in the Dharna programme met in an
emergent meeting at 5.00PM to finalise the proposal to be presented to the
extended meeting of the National Executive the next day. Com. Vyas
narrated the efforts undertaken by him and the President to interact with the
leaders of the AIRF and AIDEF to bring about a common approach both in the
matter of 7th CPC and other issues in the charter. When
the Staff Side of the National Council met to finalize draft terms of
reference, there had been few takers for the five year wage revision proposed
by the Confederation. He explained as to how the Confederation
representatives had to agree with a compromise formula for the date of effect
being 1.1.2014 (instead of 1.1.2011), with the clear understanding that the
question of periodicity of wage revision of CGES must be a matter of contention
before the 7th CPC. Despite the overwhelming response
from the Railway workers, (more than 90% is reported to have voted in favour of
strike in the strike ballot conducted by AIRF) Com. Vyas said that the leaders
of the Railway Federation have not indicated their willingness to pursue the
demands with a strike action. The Defence Federation leaders have also
indicated that it would be difficult for them to pursue the issues with strike
action, unless the same is organized under the auspices of a joint platform of
all Federations of Central Government employees.
In the deliberations that followed the introductory remark of Com. Vyas, the
following points emerged:
(a) The announcement of the setting up
of 7th CPC by the UPA Government was to be considered as a ploy
to obtain electoral mileage ;
(b) The compulsion has been brought
about by the Confederation through sustained struggles including the one day
(12.12.2012) strike action.
(c) The need for organizing strike
action before the commencement of the election process
(d) The leaders of the Confederation
might make another attempt with the Railway and Defense Federations before the
NE meeting.
(e) The possibility of inordinate delay
in the setting up of the 7th CPC if not done before electionIs
notified
(f) Apprehension was expressed by the
participating comrades that the Government might go ahead and issues the
requisite notification without taking into account the view points of the Staff
Side contained in the draft terms of reference submitted.
The meeting, therefore, came to the conclusion that(a)
the strike action is the need of the hour and must be organized before the
election process commences;(b) the indefinite strike for which the Secretariat
had earlier taken decision must be attempted under the auspices of the joint
platform of all CGE organizations; (c) the Secretary General might make a
proposal for two days strike in the first fortnight of the February for the
consideration of the National Executive.(d) A few comrades were of the view
that in view of the paucity of time for campaign etc, the proposed strike
action might be in the last week of Feb. (e) fear of the election code of
conduct coming into operation immediately after the Parliament session was also
expressed by some comrades at the meeting.
The Secretariat authorized the Secretary General to present the proposal for
two days strike in the first fortnight of Feb.2014 to the extended meeting of
the National Executive.
Extended meeting of the NationalExecutive and
decisions.- 10.1.2014
The extended meeting of the National Executive was held at MP Club, North
Avenue, New Delhi on 10.1.2014. In the inaugural address, com. S.K. Vyas,
Advisor briefly placed the developments after the announcements of the setting
up of the 7th CPC by the Government. He particularly
referred to the electoral reverses of the UPA in the five State Assembly
elections held in November/December, 2013. He considered the electoral reverses
as an expression of anger of the common man against the policies pursued by the
UPA II Government. He advised the members to take note of the inescapable
conclusion emanating from the election result that the common man given an
opportunity will throw out the perpetrators of injustice and anger agony on
them. According to him, whoever follows the neo liberal policies are
bound to be the victim of the ire of the working people.
He then narrated the course of discussions on the terms of reference both at
the staff side meeting as also at the official meeting chaired by the Secretary
Personnel. In his opinion, the Government may not accept any of the
suggestions made by the Staff Side unless it is backed up by sustained struggles.
The very announcement of the Pay Commission itself was due to the compulsion
brought about by the Confederation and its affiliates through struggles.
He reminded the comrades that the Government had consistently refused to meet
in the JCM at the National and Departmental levels. The negotiating
machinery has almost been closed down. He said that whenever the meeting
takes place, it was with a clear view to defer decisions on the legitimate
demands of the employees. He also explained the efforts undertaken by the
Confederation leaders to bring about a united platform of all organizations
participating in the JCM in the background of the nugatory attitude of the
Government and its failure. He added that in the given
circumstances, hoping for the emergence of a joint platform would be a
grave mistake and the Confederation as had been its historical approach, must
pursue the charter of demands, which include the setting up of the 7th CPC,
through a strike action.
Com. Secretary General presented the proposal emerged at the meeting of the
Secretariat a day before, i.e. on 9th and the various
viewpoints that came up for consideration at the meeting. While
presenting the proposal he asserted that the announcement of the 7th CPC
has come about only on account of the initiative taken by the Confederation. He
recalled how the Confederation leaders were ridiculed in 2011 when the demand
for the 7th CPC and five yearly wage revision was first
raised. He said that the common employees who are members of the
affiliates of the Confederation deserve congratulation for the magnificent
response to the call for the March to Parliament on 26th July,
2012 and the subsequent one day strike action on 12th December,
2012. He cautioned that the draft terms of reference prepared by the
Staff Side would remain in paper if the same is not pursued by militant
actions. He told the participating members that the Confederation should
not allow the setting up of the 7th CPC without a labour
representative and must ensure that its Chairman is not one who is obsessed
with the neo liberal economic reforms. He explained that the proposed
struggle was not only for wage revision, though that being an important issue,
but also to ensure that the neo liberal policies are not allowed to be pursued
whoever comes to power. He reminded the comrades that the 15 point charter of
demands include the important and significant issues like (a) withdrawal of the
new contributory pension scheme, (b) stoppage of contractorisation, outsourcing,
privatization etc, (c) regularization of daily rated workers and GDS, (e) to
bring the GDS within the ambit of the 7th CPC treating them as
Civil servants, (f) revival of appointments on compassionate ground without
conditions (g) filling up of vacant posts (h) functioning of the negotiating
machinery and above all (i) arresting the ever rising prices of essential
commodities. He requested the members to appreciate the position
explained and decide upon an inevitable strike action before the election process
is begun.
Thereafter the house deliberated upon the proposal placed on behalf of the
Secretariat. Several Comrades took part in the discussions. The
decision to go on strike was welcomed by one and all. Some comrade
forcefully pleaded that the Confederation must give a call for an indefinite
strike action. In the end, the house adopted a resolution indicating the
following course of action to pursue the 15 point charter of demands.
(Full Text of the resolution, the press statement issued after the meeting, the
details of the campaign programme at the National level will be placed on the
website within a day or two.)
(i) Strike will be of 48 hours ( 2
days) duration.
(ii) The two days strike will commence
on 12th February, 2014 at 00 hours and will be concluded at 00 hours on 14th.
i.e. Strike will be on 12th and 13the Feb. 2014.
(iii) Strike notice will be served by the
Confederation on Cabinet Secretary; all affiliates on their respective heads of
Departments and copy of the same will be handed over to the respective heads of
offices on 21st January, 2014. Prior to the serving of notice
to the heads of offices, the unions will organize massive demonstration with
cent per cent participation of members in front of all offices on 21.1.2014.
(iv) Nationwide campaign will be
organized covering all State Capitals and other important cities and towns in
January, 2014.
(v) State Committees will organize
state wise campaigning programme covering all District Head Quarters in the
first week of Feb. 2014.
(vi) Hold Press conferences; issue press
statements and take steps to ensure media converge for the ensuing strike
action.
The resolution received unanimous approval of the
house, which was followed by thunderous slogan shouting.
Com. Secretary General then informed the house that
the FNPO has agreed to synchronize their strike action for two days on the same
dates and with the same charter of demands.
The house then took up the applications received from ARIES Employees
Confederation (ARYABHATTA RESEARCH INSTITUTE OF OBSERVATIONAL SCIENCES)
DEHRADUN and the DOT Employees Association of India, KOLKATA for grant of
affiliation. The house approved the proposal for the grant of affiliation
to the two organizations.
Com. President before declaring the closure of the session requested the
affiliates to take immediate steps to clear off the subscription dues for lack
of finance should not hinder the functioning of the CHQ. Com. Parasar on
behalf of the Sectt. had welcome the participants in the beginning. Com.
Seethalakshmi, Convener, Women Sub Committee of the Confederation and the newly
elected General Secretary of All India Postal Employees Union, Postmen, and MTS/
Group D proposed vote of thanks.
With greetings,
Yours fraternally,
M.Krishnan
Secretary General
CHARTER OF DEMANDS
1. Accept the terms of reference of 7th CPC, submitted by the staff side, National Council JCM.
(a) To examine the existing structure of pay, allowances and other benefits/facilities, retirement benefits like Pension, Gratuity, other terminal benefits of various categories of Central Government Employees including Gramin Dak Sevaks (GDS) of Postal Department.
(b) To work out the comprehensive revised pay packet for the categories of Central Government employees including GDS as on 1.1.2014.
(c) The Commission shall determine the pay structure, benefits, facilities, retirement benefits etc. taking into account the need to provide minimum wage with reference to the recommendation of the 15th Indian Labour Conference (1957) and the subsequent judicial pronouncement of the honorable Supreme Court there-on, as on 1.1.2014.
(d) To determine the Interim Relief needed to be sanctioned immediately to the Central Government employees including GDS.
(e) To determine the percentage of Dearness allowance/Dearness Relief immediately to be merged with Pay and pension including GDS.
(f) To settle the anomalies raised in various fora of JCM.
(g) To work out the improvements needed to the existing retirement benefits, like pension, death cum retirement gratuity, family pension and other terminal or recurring benefits maintaining parity amongst past, present and future pensioners and family pensioners including those who entered service on or after 1.1.2004.
(h) To recommend methods for providing cashless/hassle-free Medicare facilities to the employees and Pensioners including Postal pensioners.
2. Ensure every five year revision of wages of Central Government Employees in future.
3. (a) Regularisation of Gramin Dak Sevaks of the Postal Department and grant of Civil Servant status, statutory pension and all other benefits at par with regular employees.
(b) Regularisation and revision of wages of casual and contract workers.
4. Compassionate appointment – removal of restrictions imposed by Government.
5. JCM and Anomaly Committee Functioning.
6. Fill up all vacant posts and creation of new posts wherever justified.
7. Stop downsizing, outsourcing, contractorisation and privatization of Government functions.
8. Stop the move to introduce performance related Pay (PRP) system, Extend PLB Bonus for all, removing bonus ceiling.
9. Revise OTA and Night Duty Allowance rates and clothing rates.
10. Implement arbitration awards.
11. Five promotions to all.
12. Rescind the PFRDA Act. Ensure statutory Pension for all.
13. Stop price rise. Revive and extend public distribution system for all.
14. Stop trade Union victimization.
15. Ensure Right to strike.
NFPE & FNPO
HAVE
DECIDED TO ORGANISE TWO DAYS NATION WIDE STRIKE ON
12th &
13th FEB
2014 DURING PARLIAMENT SESSION DEMANDING
1.
DA MERGER
2.
INTERIM RELIEF
3.
INCLUSION OF GDS UNDER 7th CPC
4.
CASUAL LABOUR WAGE REVISION AND REGULARISATION
5.
RESCIND PFRDA ACT
6.
DATE OF EFFECT OF 7th CPC
– 01/01/2014 AS DEMANDED BY JCM STAFF SIDE
*
PLUS OTHER DEMANDS
*
STRIKE NOTICE WILL BE SERVED ON 21st JAN 2014 TO
GOVT & DEPT OF POSTS
M.KRISHNAN
SECRETARY
GENERAL
NFPE
