COAL PRODUCTION IN INDIA

COALMINES IN INDIA

NATIONWIDE STRIKE CALLED ON SEPTEMBER 7, 2010 BY MAJOR TRADE UNIONS

NEW DELHI: The nationwide strike, called for September 7 by major trade unions, including the INTUC affiliated to the Congress, will be the largest show of strength of the organised movement to protect the rights of workers and the ruling UPA must heed the voice of the people, Communist Party of India's parliamentary party leader Gurudas Dasgupta said on Thursday.

Never before has the Indian National Trade Union Congress joined the call for a strike, and its president G. Sanjeev Reddy is a party to a joint declaration adopted by nine trade unions at a national convention here. Despite the unions' repeated demand for effective steps to check the sharp rise in the prices of essential commodities, the Centre had not responded.

On earlier occasions, the INTUC chose not to strike work arguing that it would lead to loss of production, but now decided to join hands with the other unions, he said.

While the Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh, which owes allegiance to the BJP, pulled out, the other unions, including the CPI-affiliated All-India Trade Union Congress (AITUC), the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU), the Hind Mazdoor Sabha (HMS), the All-India United Trade Union Centre (AIUTUC), the Trade Union Coordination Centre (TUCC), the All-India Central Council of Trade Unions (AICCTU), the United Trade Union Centre (UTUC) and the Labour Progressive Front (LPF) have backed the call.

Besides highlighting price rise, the declaration also demanded strict enforcement of basic labour laws and condemned the increasing practice of contract labour and outsourcing and disinvestment of the public sector enterprises.

CITU DEMONSTRATION AGAINST PETRO PRICE HIKE

25-06-2010

CITU activists under the leadership of its senior leader and Vice President MK Pandhe held a protest demonstration and burned the effigy of the UPA II government at the busy ITO centre in New Delhi against the steep increase in the prices of petrol, diesel and cooking gas and not even sparing kerosene. Several office bearers of CITU including Swadesh Dev Roye, Dipankar Mukherjee, Hemalata, Kashmir Singh Thakur, Shdha Bhaskar and S Punyavathi, working committee members including AR Sindhu, Amitava Guha and large number of CITU members from Delhi participated in the demonstrations.

Addressing the gathering, Pandhe severely condemned the insensitive attitude of the UPAII government towards the sufferings of the common people. In stead of controlling the rising prices, the UPA II government has increased the prices of petrol, diesel, LPG and kerosene which would further increase the prices. He also criticised the decision of the government to link the prices of petroleum prices to international prices. He warned that this would further result in the price rise. Pandhe demanded the government to immediately withdraw the hike and also the decision to link the prices of petroleum products to international prices. He told that such demonstrations were being held all over the country and if the government did not withdraw its decision, CITU, along with all the other trade unions would intensify the struggle.

CITU DENOUNCES DECISION OF DISINVESTMENT IN COAL INDIA AND CALLS UPON WORKING CLASS TO RESIST THE DISASTROUS MOVE

16-06-2010

The Centre of Indian Trade Unions strongly condemns the decision of disinvestment of 10 per cent shares in Coal India Ltd and Hindustan Copper Limited taken by the Cabinet Committee of Economic Affairs of the UPA Govt on 15th June 2010.

CITU considers such disinvestment is a ploy to set in the process of phased privatization of the blue chip PSUs which are all reserves of the vital natural resources of the country. All natural resources are owned by the country and the people. The UPA Govt has themselves averred this before the Supreme Court very recently. Therefore, handing over the control of such natural resources either wholly or even partially to private entities is totally unconstitutional.

The UPA-II Govt appears to be in extreme haste to quicken up this process of sell-out of public assets and that hurry makes the Govt making a distress-sale. The PSUs disinvested so far by the UPA-II combine are sold at a price much lower than the share price of the respective PSU prevailing in the stock market during the day/period of sale. If this is not selling public assets for a song on a platter –then what else?

The major partner of the UPA-II combine, the Trinamool Congress Chief has reportedly justified her silent approval to this disinvestment commenting that since Central Trade Unions like CITU and INTUC are not opposing disinvestment of Coal India Ltd, why she should oppose the same, as per report published in the Press (Anandabazar Patrika, 16-6-2010). This is nothing but opportunism and hypocrisy and shows total disregard to factual truth for political expediency.

The entire country knows that all the Central Trade Unions and independent federations in the country including CITU and INTUC recorded their strong opposition to disinvestment in PSUs and have been planning for countrywide strike action in the days to come on five point demand which includes opposition to disinvestment as well. The Coal India Workers have already recorded their strong opposition to the disinvestment move through massive countrywide strike in the industry on 5th May 2010 at the call of All India Coal Workers’ Federation (CITU) and have now been preparing for a bigger and a longer strike in the event the Govt moves ahead for disinvestment.

CITU calls upon the working class irrespective of affiliations and the patriotic people to oppose and resist the disastrous anti-national move by the Govt of the day to sell out public assets for a song to private entities through disinvestment of shares of country’s PSUs one by one, through countrywide mobilizations and united actions.

NATIONAL CONVENTION OF COAL WORKERS ON 2ND JULY, 2010 AT ASANSOL, WEST BENGAL

NATIONAL CONVENTION OF COAL WORKERS

AGAINST PRIVATISATION OF COAL INDUSTRY

FOR IMMEDIATE OPENING OF NCWA-IX NEGOTIATION

* Rabindra Bhawan, Asansol *

2nd. July, 2010

Resolution on Programme of Struggle

This Convention of Coal Workers held in Asansol Rabindra Bhawan on 2nd. July, participated by 981 delegates representing Trade Unions affiliated to different National Federations, independent of affiliations functioning in Coal India and its subsidiaries and addressed by Presidents of All India Coal Workers Federation (CITU), Akhil Bharatiya Khadan Mazdoor Sangh (BMS), Hind Khadan Mazdoor Federation (HMS) Bharatya Khadan Mazdoor S National leaders from (HMS) and by other leaders and delegates , decides unanimously to carry forward Coal Workers’ united resolve into a common opposition against Government’s move for privatizing Coal India and to disinvest 10% of its share as the immediate step. The Convention rejects Government offer of 1% holding to workers, as undignified & manipulative intention to use workers as shield for the purpose of this illegal and unethical move.

Convention resolves unanimously to carry forward the struggle of coal workers against all such decisions, actions from the part of Coal India Managerment and the Government to divide the miners by way of introduction of discriminatory wage, benefit, PRP or through otherwise and through introduction of slave wages in the name of contracterisation. Convention calls upon all miners irrespective of affiliations and working positions to unite into a powerful campaign demanding immediate opening of NCWA-IX for settling coal workers wage and benefits, in line of parity, rationality, mutual dignity, also for abolishing the scar of contract system through absorption of all contractor workers engaged against permanent jobs and for meeting them similar wage as available for permanent workers pending such absorption. .

Convention having recognized the fact that the implication of coal mining goes beyond slaughter mining and slaughtering of miners, also raises question mark about the very existence of civic societies risen in mining cities in course of public ownership, industrial developments around existing and prospective mining areas, and threatens the prevention of land subsidence, reclamation of land after mining , causes concern on the matter of compensation for mine expansion and relief land oustees, resolves to unite and involve all such societies including that of the coal workers’ families into campaign of resistance against privatization.

Convention resolves to step up a phased campaign in the second stage of the struggle for the unity of all workers irrespective of their affiliations, all National Federations and Independent trade unions into a resistance struggle culminating into a nationwide 48 hours coal workers’ strike, to be scheduled in a manner so that the strike is materialized well ahead of actual process of disinvestment begins.

Convention expresses its happiness for the reason that All the National Federations in the Coal Industry has risen by now to join the resolve of coal workers for fighting the menace of privatization and dignified wage and service condition for coal workers. It directs all the trade unions party to this convention to join the resistance campaign likely to be carried by the Federations individually and collectively. Convention views that all the resolutions adopted in the convention including that of the decision for 48 hours strike is just the expression of united desire of workers. It appeals and expresses hope that All the National Federations who have risen to oppose the privatization would either unify themselves to find dates jointly in the month of August or they may announce their own dates with which the Convention is ready to synchronize. Convention appeals otherwise to them for synchronizing their dates with the dates the All India Coal Workers’ Federation may announce in default.

Convention announces the following phases of program accordingly :

(1) Holding of united meeting in all pit heads announcing the decision of Convention and involving common workers with its resolve during the period between 8th and 11th. July.

(2) Holding of convention/seminar/workshop in every mine, mining areas involving workers, workers’ families and other members members/organisation concerned with mining societies during the period between 11th. And 24th. July. 2010.

(3) Black badge wearing to mark the protest against the black decision of Privatisation on
27th and 28th July

(4) Demand badge wearing during 3rd. and 6th. August to culminate into a joint demonstration on 6th. August before the Area Manager and submission of memorandum.

(5) Rath yatra against privatistion through organizing decorated tablos and followed by motor bike procession all the areas connecting different mines and coal cities between 7th. And 14th. August.

(6) Observing 15th. August as the day of India for Public and against privatizing India.

(7) These program will be synchronized with other program relating to the 48 hours strike which may be announced individually by National Federatioon or Federations collectively by last week of July after completing the process of mutual consultations.

Convention calls upon the call workers to response the call likely to be given from convention scheduled in Delhi on 15th and jointly convened by National Trade Unions on five points charter including against disinvestment of Public sector industries.

COMRADE PANDHE HAS WRITTEN THE FOLLOWING LETTER TO SHRI MANMOHAN SINGH

Press Release
29th May 2010

Shri Manmohan Singh

Prime Minister

Government of India

South Block

New Delhi – 110 011

Dear Prime Minister,

I would like to draw attention to the present situation in Air India due to high handed policy adopted by the Chairman of the undertaking. If the present situation is allowed to continue the very existence of a premier Public Sector Undertaking will be at stake.

It is a matter of great concern to the trade union movement in India that the Reports of the Standing Committee of Parliament on Transport and Tourism as well as Committee on Public Sector Undertakings have indicted both Ministry of Civil Aviation and Air India management for the present mailace in Air India.

However both of them have failed to take any action in the matter. I would earnestly request you to find out why no action is being taken on both these reports by the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Air India management.

If a high power enquiry is conducted you will find that both the Minister of Civil Aviation and Chairman Air India are doing everything to promote private sector companies in Civil Aviation and damaging the interest of Air India. The present Chairman of Air India is openly promoting communal elements in Air India and suppressing well established and recognized unions in the undertaking.

The present Chairman has destroyed bipartite relations in the public sector undertaking and behaving in an autocratic manner even with the senior executives of the company. I have received several complains personally from executives of Air India. There is urgent need to enquire the links developed by CMD of Air India with some private concerns at the cost of public sector undertaking.

I would like to draw your attention that both Indian Airlines and Air India were breaking even when they were merged. How it has incurred heavy losses after merger? The reports of Standing Committee and COPU have thrown some light on the question but it is being nonchalantly ignored by the Minister of Civil Aviation and CMD of Air India. The present Chairman has derecognized the major unions and sealed their offices while large number of employees have been summarily dismissed or suspended.

Please note that trade union movement in India will not be a silent spectator if the suppression of trade union rights are such a blatant manner is allowed in India. The policies pursued by Minister of Civil aviation as well as Chairman Air India are clearly directed to give advantage to the private sector companies and close down the premier public undertaking in India.

You will appreciate that since 1st January 2007 no improvement in living conditions of the employees has taken place while management unilaterally withdrew several existing benefits without even discussing with the trade unions. The employees were not paid even bonus last year yet the employees were peaceful and co-operated with the management to improve the performance of the undertaking.

However, the objective attitude shown by the employees is considered by the CMD as their weakness and he has been trampling underfoot legitimate struggles of the employees. I am informed that the employees of Air India will resort to one day strike on 12th June 2010 to protest against the highhanded policy of the CMD. Due to large scale victimization the employees are agitated and desire that all victimization measures should be withdrawn and recognition of the union should be restored.

If the strike materializes the passengers will be greatly inconvenienced but for that the management of Air India will be solely responsible. I hope you will view these developments with concern and intervene in the dispute so that normalcy is restored and Air India can march ahead despite unhealthy competition indulged in by the private civil aviation companies.

With personal regards,

Yours sincerely,
(M K PANDHE)

Vice President

VERDICT ON BHOPAL GAS TRAGEDY –TRAVESTY OF JUSTICE AND GOVERNANCE - CITU

Press Release

07-06-2010

CITU is shocked to note that after 26 years of world’s biggest industrial disaster claiming 25000 lives and leaving millions perpetually sick in and around Union Carbide factory, Bhopal, the verdict has come making mockery of administrative and legal process in the country. From the very beginning, various institutions of the judiciary including the apex court diluted the crime against people of India and Bhopal in particular committed by an American MNC. CITU notes that the Government miserably failed to book all those who were responsible for this mass murder before the court of law in suitable manner. This judgment will encourage other corporate, both Indian and foreign, to ignore all safety norms in otherwise accident prone industrial scenario of the country as they can get away scot-free in the eventuality of disasters like Bhopal Gas Tragedy. CITU demands stern action against all those, including erstwhile CMD of Union Carbide as criminals. CITU further demands that all the victims have to be compensated adequately. CITU further warns the people of India of similar accidents if the Government of India continues its strategic flirting with US as evident from the Nuclear Liability Bill brought before the Parliament to serve the interests of U.S Government and American nuclear manufacturers.

TAPAN SEN, MP, GENERAL SECRETARY, CITU WRITES TO PRIME MINISTER (on reports of deregulation of Petrol & Diesel pricing)

5th June 2010

Dear Mr. Prime Minister,

There are disquieting reports that Empowered Group of Minister(EGOM) is scheduled to take up the issue of deregulating the pricing of petrol and diesel on 7th June 2010 as per Kirit Parikh Committee which is likely to increase price of these petroleum products by Rs. 3/- to Rs. 3.50 per litre. Such a decision apart from the cascading effect on the present unbearable inflation will also go against the following unanimous recommendation of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Petroleum and Natural Gas placed in Parliament on 22.04.2010.

“The Committee note that the Expert Group headed by Dr. Kirit Parekh Committee has made several recommendations on ‘viable and sustainable pricing of petroleum products’. In this regard, the Committee urge the Government not to consider the expert group recommendations in isolation but to give due weightage to the recommendations made by the Committee on Petroleum and Natural Gas in their 6th and 10th Reports (14th Lok Sabha) on ‘Pricing of Petroleum Products’.”

You will kindly agree that Executive is accountable to Parliament and not vice-versa. Therefore the above recommendation read along with recommendations about made in 6th and 10th report (14th Lok Sabha) cannot be sidelined / ignored by Parikh committee appointed by the Executive. This in my humble opinion will to a large extent erode the credibility of Parliamentary Committees and Parliament. I therefore urge upon you to advise the EGOM not to take any decision before getting the same examined by the Parliamentary Committee constituted for this purpose.

With regards,

Yours sincerely,
Sd/-TAPAN SEN

Dr. Manmohan Singh

Prime Minister

Government of India

CITU ON DOUBLE DIGIT INFLATION

Press Release
15-06-2010

STOP GIVING EMPTY ASSURANCES

CITU ask Government to desist from giving empty assurances time and again that inflation will come down when the same has reached the highest during last 19 months. The prices of essential items like pulses, vegetables, sugar have become unbearable and the Government’s only visible action is limited to such assurances without any relief to the common man reeling under the impact of rising prices.

CITU demand immediate action by the Government to revitalize the Public Distribution System, to immediately reduce taxes on crude oil and petroleum products and to withdraw the hike in prices of gas to curb fuel price inflation which has cascading impact on inflation. CITU also demand imposition of a complete ban on futures trade on all essential commodities.

CITU urges that in view of high inflation the Government should increase the statutory minimum wages, increase the rate of interest on provident fund and increase Government’s contribution to Employees Pension Scheme.

CITU calls upon the working class to prepare for countrywide united struggle including massive all India Strike so that the present Government is forced to give priority to inflation and price control instead of its present focus on the so called GDP growth and disinvestment of public assets.