SEPTEMBER 7TH HISTORIC GENERAL STRIKE ROCKS THE COUNTRY - Tapan Sen, General Secretary, Centre of Indian Trade Unions

The call for General strike of 7th September 2010 given by almost all the Central Trade Unions in the country viz., INTUC, AITUC, HMS, CITU, AICCTU, AIUTUC, UTUC, TUCC and the all India Federations of employees in telecom, railways, defence, banks, insurance, various public sector units, central and state govt offices and departments etc., has been magnificently responded to by the working class all over the country. It is an historic event of all in united countrywide strike action by all the trade unions in the country in which more than ten crore (one billion) workers representing all the sectors of the economy participated . The Central Trade Unions congratulate the working class for their whole hearted support to the strike call.

The General Strike of 7th September 2010 happens to be the thirteenth General Strike since 1991 against the disastrous fall out of the neoliberal pro-corporate policy regime on the life and livelihood of the mass of the toiling people and also on the national economy since 1991. The speciality of the thirteenth General Strike of 7th September had been that almost all the Central Trade Unions in the country have come together to give the call for countrywide general strike. In fact this all in united exercise by the trade unions has taken off a year back when all the Central Trade Unions in the country including INTUC and BMS held a national convention of workers on 14th September 2009 at New Delhi to unanimously formulate five point demands and gave call for observance of National Protest Day on 28th October 2009 which was followed by a massive demonstration before Parliament on 16th December 2009 and countrywide programme of picketing and Court Arrest on 5th March 2010 in which more than a million workers courted arrest throughout the country. 7th September’s General Strike is the culmination of these series of collective and demonstrative assertion by all the trade union centres of the country irrespective of affiliations and political lineages to carry forward the countrywide united struggle against the anti-people economic policies.

We must note here that the continuity of the initiative for building broadest unity of the working class against neoliberal imperialist globalisation by major section of the central trade unions and national federations of employees in industries and services since 1991 from the platform of Sponsoring Committee of Trade Unions paved the way for this all in unity of trade unions. 12 countrywide general strikes by Sponsoring Committee of Trade Unions since 1991 and numerous sectoral mobilisations and strike actions across the economy gradually prepared the ground for this in unity in the trade union movement. The mounting resentment amongst the mass of the toiling people against price rise, unemployment, retrenchment, repression on labour rights, rampant violation of labour laws, mass scale contractorisation of workplaces, etc – aggravated further by the pro-corporate policies of the Govt in the midst of deepening crisis and broadening inequity and disparity in the society along with consistent initiative by the major sections of the trade union movement in the country to unite and broaden the sphere of struggle and resistance, created the situation which brought together the national leadership of the Central Trade Unions in united platform for struggle. This unity for struggle has to be broadened and strengthened and taken down to grass root level to carry the struggle against neoliberalism to further height.

The strike call was given by the Central Trade Unions to press for five- point demands covering all sections of the working populace. They are : 1) urgent steps to curb the continuous price-rise through universalisation of PDS and banning speculation in commodity market, 2) Strict enforcement of all basic labour laws without any exception or exemption and stringent punitive measures for violation of labour laws, 3) Concrete proactive measures to be taken for linkage of employment protection in the recession stricken sectors as a condition for the stimulus package being offered to the concerned entrepreneurs and for concrete steps against retrenchment, lay-off, contractorisation and outsourcing, 4) removal of all restrictive provisions based on poverty line in respect of eligibility of coverage of the schemes under the Unorganised Workers Social Security Act 2008 and creation of National Fund for the Unorganised Sector to provide a National Floor Level Social Security to all unorganized workers including the contract/casual workers 5) disinvestment of Shares of Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) is not resorted to for meeting budgetary deficit and instead their growing reserve and surplus is used for expansion and modernization purposes and also for revival of sick Public Sector Undertakings.

The General strike of 7 September got converted into a complete BANDH in West Bengal, Kerala and Tripura. Notable. In all these three states there was spontaneous response and participation of the striking workers from all segments of work in processions and demonstrations on the strike day, defeating provocations and ploy to create disturbance and disruptions. All the districts and industrial centres in these three states witnessed massive rallies of the workers from all sectors and in many places joint processions by all the trade unions had also drawn the participation of common people from all walks of life. And mocking malicious campaign of the managers of the corporate controlled media that the general strike had been observed in only Left ruled states, the toiling people responded to the strike call in all the states of the country more vigorously both in terms of its coverage and sweep. Bandh like situation has also emerged in Assam and Jharkhand, Manipur and in substantial segments/districts of Orissa and Punjab owing to enmasse-participation by workers across the affiliations and massive support from people from other walks of life. In Punjab, Haryana and Orissa, roadways workers’ total strike has paralysed the normal traffic in both the states. In Mumbai, the commercial capital of the country, taxis and auto-rickshaws were off the road and the municipal workers were in total strike.

Impact of general strike was felt countrywide as in many of the major airports of the country numerous flights had to be cancelled or rescheduled. The overwhelming majority, around one crore(10 million) Govt employees in the country, both in central and state governments staged the biggest ever strike action countrywide in most of the state govt offices and establishments except in Rajasthan and partially in Madhya Pradesh. In the central govt sector, overwhelming section of employees in the telecom, postal departments, AG office, Income tax and audit offices joined the strike in a big way throughout the country braving threats and prohibition. More than eighty per cent of the defence sector employees working in 41 ordinance factories and depots under Army, Navy and Airforce, the MES offices and 50 DRDO laboratories all over the country have joined the strike action. In Bharat Electronics Ltd under defence ministry, strike was total in three units while in other units it was partial.

Another notable feature of the strike has been the noticeable participation of the unorganized sector workers in organizing road-blockade, rail-roko in different parts of the country and the frontline role of the women workers in the same. A big section of peasants and agricultural workers besides other mass organizations also took active part in the strike campaign as well as in militant demonstration on the day of the strike. In that sense, the 7 September strike became into a genuine peoples’ action throughout the country.

SECTOR-WISE THE IMPACT OF STRIKE CAN BE DESCRIBED AS UNDER:

• The entire financial sector covering the banks and the insurance companies witnessed almost total strike throughout the country involving around 20 lakh workers and employees.

• More than 10 million state govt employees, teachers, employees of state public sector, boards and corporations covering almost all states of the country participated in the strike in a massive way.

• Around two million central govt employees covering around 80 per cent of the workforce joined the strike. In Defence sector also strike was around 80%.

• Of the six-lakh coal-mining workers in nine companies, viz., ECL, BCCL, CCL, SECL, NCL, WCL, CMPDIL, Singareni Coallieries, etc around 80 per cent workers joined the strike action. In the non-coal mining belt as well, spreading over Jharkhand, Orissa Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh, strike was near total.

• Strike by the telecom workers and employees under the telecom giant BSNL was more than 70 per cent throughout the country.

• In the Petroleum sector, both in upstream, refineries and in marketing strike was almost total in Eastern, North Eastern and Southern parts of the country and partial in North and Western India.

• In steel, strike was massive in Durgapur, IISCO and Visakhapatnam and partial in other places.

• In Ports at Kochi and Kolkata strike was massive while in other places it was partial.

• In the plantation sector throughout the country strike was near total.

• Unorganised sector workers in brick-kilns, head-load, beedi, and mandi-workers took part in strike in a big way, and they organised rail-roko and rasta-roko at various centres throughout the country.

• The construction workers, both from the organized and unorganised sector responded to the strike call in a big way.

• The construction workers in all the hydel-projects under construction in the state of Himachal Pradesh were on complete strike.

• Around fifteen lakh Anganwadi workers throughout the country also participated in the strike in a big way.

• Fishers and fisheries workers took part in the strike in terms of several lakhs throughout the country.

• The Transport workers, both from the state and private sector responded to strike call magnificently.

• Electricity workers joined the strike in a big way in most of the states.

• Overwhelming majority of the 1.5 lakh medical representatives in the country were on strike.

• Special Economic Zone of Visakhapatnam and one in West Bengal witnessed total strike.

• The Industrial Area of Gurgaon and Dharuhera of Haryana witnessed almost total strike despite all repression.

Statewide Details of the Strike is given hereunder: (Except West Bengal, Kerala and Tripura)

REPORT FROM STATES

ANDHRA PRADESH:

Strike was successful in the state. 6 out of 8 industrial areas in Hyderabad which were on complete strike. In other two, strike was partial. In Srikakulam district strike was substantial in three industrial areas. In Khammam district in thermal power station employees and engineers struck work for 2 hours. In Rangareddy district around one lakh workers of the industrial area took part in the strike action. In East Godavary district, Paper Mills workers were on complete strike. In Nalgonda 95% workers in the cement and all major industries joined the strike. In Karimnagar, 10000 powerloom workers were on strike and among the beedi workers and head-load workers strike was 60% and 50% respectively. In Ongole district 23000 industrial workers took part in the strike action. In Visakhapatnam, Hindustan Shipyard, Bharat Heavy Plates & Vessels and Hindustan Zinc, Dredging Corporation of India witnessed almost 100% strike. In Vizag Steel Plant strike was 90%, in Defence sector 70%, FSNL 70% HPCL 40%, and in vizag Port 40%. In the Special Economic Zone of Vizag, 100% workers joined the strike action. Among municipal workers strike was almost total. The Central and state govt offices were almost vacant. Anganwadi workers in all the projects in the state were on complete strike.

The mid-day meal workers and ASHA workers participated in the strike in a big way throughout the state except in few districts. Kakinada and Visakhapatnam Port was on partial strike. Among coffee workers, strike was hundred per cent. Rail roko and rasta roko was organised throughout the state. Railway and other workers demonstrated in different parts of the state.

ASSAM:

The strike was almost 100% in the state. In Guwahati, public vehicles including private city buses, autorickshaws were off the road. Workers picketed the Bus terminals and Railway station at Guwahati, Rangiya and Bongaigaon. Picketing workers, besides several leaders, including Tapan Sharma Secretary, Assam State CITU and Ananta Deka, MLA were arrested by the Police. More than 2000 workers were arrested throughout the state including Asit Dutta, President, Assam State CITU while organsing road-roko and rail-roko. In the Tea Gardens strike was unprecedented owing to joint initiative by CITU and INTUC. Bank, LIC, BSNL, Postal, Defence, Motor Transport and State and Central govt employees participated in the strike. In Oil India, Numaligarh Refinery, Coal India, Powergrid Corporation the strike is almost total. In BRPL, and Digboi strike was partial among the regular workers but the contract workers were on total strike.

BIHAR:

The strike was huge success in Bihar. Bandh like situation fell in Patna, Muzaffarpur, Nalanda, Purnea, Katihar, Begusarai, Bhagalpur, Jhanabad. Bank, LIC, central & state government employees joined the strike enmasse. Strike in oil sector, including refineries was complete. In Patna, 80 per cent autorickshaws were off the road. Chakka jam was organized in Sahababad, Begusari, Patna and other places. Anganwadi workers were on strike in many districts. In Jamui, Beedi workers struck work enmasse and the women workers blocked the road for several hours. Rail blockade was organised in Patna and other places particularly in Northern Bihar halting train services. Hawkers took part in the rail-roko in Patna in a big way. Arun Mishra, General Secretary of Bihar State CITU, Rajkumar Jha, Secretary were arrested among others by Police.

DELHI:

Industrial areas of Delhi viz., Narela, Moregarh, Badli, Rajasthani Udyog Nagar, Jahangirpuri, Wazirpur, Mayapuri, Mongolpuri, Naraina, Kirtinagar, Patparganj, Friends Colony, Jhilmil, Badarpur, G T Karnal Road, Peeragarhi, Mayapuri, Azadpur, etc was affected in a big way by almost total strike action by the industrial workers. Road roko was organized in several places by the striking workers viz., G T Road, Sonia Vihar and Udyognagar, Anand Vihar Bus Terminal etc. In Jantar Mantar dharna was organized by a section of striking workers mainly FMRAI and Hotel workers. Around 35000 workers took part in processions at various places.

HARYANA:

Complete strike was in Haryana Road Transport Corporation and almost total strike in Electricity Board. Industrial areas in Panipat, Sonepat and Faridabad was severely affected by strike as all the major factories witnessed massive strike. In Faridabad 22 including small-scale Industrial Units with around 800 workers not in any trade union went on strike at the persuasion of CITU organisers. Haryana Agriculture University, Guru Tegbahadur University and Hissar Agricultural University were on total strike. At Panipat strike was substantial among the handloom workers, while in spinning mills, strike was around 50 per cent. 90 per cent municipal workers throughout the state were on strike. Contract workers at National Fertlisers and IOC Refinery at Panipat were on strike. Striking workers in the unorganized sector of brick kiln, forest, construction, etc brought out rallies in several places in the state and held demonstrations. Anganwadi workers were in strike enmasse throughout the state. In Hissar police lathi charged on the transport workers and 9 workers were arrested at Ambala depot. Most notable had been the strike in the industrial area of Gurgaon and Dharuhera, infamous for the repressive regime maintained by the administration-employers combine. Almost all the Major industrial units in that area viz., Honda, Hero-Honda, Hilux, Richo, Mandi-India, Satyam Auto, Lumax, RDC Concrete, Automax, Ranbaxy, Medicat, Dhanuka Pesticide, Vibha Global, etc, many of which do not have even trade unions witnessed spontaneous and total strike by the workers.

HIMACHAL PRADESH:

All the hydel project workers were on complete strike. The industrial areas of Solan, Parawanoo, Sirmour, Una reported massive response to strike call. Among Anganwadi workers in the state strike was almost total. The hotel workers at Shimla were in total strike. The central govt offices, banks, insurance, BSNL offices and medical representatives also reported total strike. Massive demonstration was held in front of all district headquarters in the state except one.

JHARKHAND:

Massive strike in Coal, Bank and Insurance sectors. Coal production and dispatch was totally paralyzed. Train services were badly affected owing to rail-roko agitation throughout the state. Petroleum transportation was also stopped. Complete strike was observed in Bauxite industry in Lohargada and Indian Explosives factory. Industrial areas of Adityapur and Gamaria were completely closed and more than 135 workers were arrested from the procession including Narendra Mishra, Vice President of Jharkhand State CITU. Strike was massive in the stone-quarries, crusher, private transport, beedi etc in Dumka, Pakur and Sahibgunj. Thousands of construction workers struck work in Ranchi, Gumla and other districts who staged militant demonstrations also. HEC and Bokaro steel plant reported partial strike among the regular workers but the contract workers were on strike enmasse. Road transport services were seriously disrupted. Markets were closed; workers of unorganized sector viz., stone quarries, Beedi, Construction, private transport etc participated in the strike in a big way. In all the places throughout the state, big processions by the striking workers paralised the city affecting particularly at Dumaka, Ranchi, Dhanbad and Jamshedpur.

KARNATAKA:

Impact of strike was quite visible throughout the state as both organised and unorganised sector joined the strike in a big way. Almost all the districts like South Kanara, Kolar, Mandya, Bellary, Belgaum, Mysore, Raichur, Tunmkur, Hubli Mangalore etc. witnessed massive rally of the strikers led jointly by leaders of CITU, AITUC, INTUC and others. State and Central govt employees participated in the strike enmasse. One lakh eighty thousand auto-rickshaws were off the road. In public sector units strike was partial. In major private sector companies in Bangalore and Mysore like Mico, ITC, Hindalco, Polyfibre, Rajashree Cement, L&T, Volvo Motors, Vikrant Tyres, Reid & Taylor, Wipro, Kirloskar Toyota, Hutti Gold Mines etc and in almost all medium and small factories, massive strike took place. Anganwadi workers, Beedi and construction workers took part in the strike and procession in a big way. In Banagalore, massive procession was taken out led by leaders of CITU, AITUC, INTUC, HMS, TUCC and AIUTUC.

MADHYA PRADESH:

Coal industry witnessed 80 per cent strike. In National Fertiliser Ltd in Guna, production work got paralysed owing to total strike by contract workers. In Jabalpur, in the Defence ordnance factory the strike was 95%. In BHEL, strike was partial. The industrial areas of Mandidip, Gobindpura around Bhopal, industrial units at Gwalior, Indore, Jabalpur, Bina, Guna, Ratlam, Sehore, Devas, Ujjain, Nagda, Neemauch, Muraina, Bhind, etc witnessed massive rallies by the striking workers. The unorganised sector workers of Beedi, loading-unloading, rice-mills anganwadi, etc joined the strike in a big way. Medical representatives also joined the strike enmasse.

MAHARASHTRA:

The industrial centers of Navi-Mumbai/Thane, Nasik, Pune, Solapur, Ichhalkaranji, Nagpur , Aurangabad, Kolhapur etc reported massive response to strike call both from organized and unorganised sector workers. Taxis and auto-rickshaws were off the road in Mumbai owing to total strike by the concerned workers. 50 per cent workers of state transport (BEST) were on strike. In the Naval Dock 80% workers were on strike. Banks, insurance, anganwadi, home based, gram panchyat and electricity workers, medical reps joined the strike. Massive processions have been taken out by the striking workers at Mumbai (20000), Nasik (10000), Aurangabad (10000), Nagpur(1000), Solapur(10000), Kolhapur(10000), Thane (1500) Anganwadi, Asha, mid-day meal workers, Mthadi workers and railway contract workers and beedi workers took part in the strike throughout the state in a big way.

PONDICHERRY:

State Govt employees struck work. In 9 centres picketing was organised and 100 workers were arrested.

TAMIL NADU:

In Tamil Nadu, in almost all the major industrial establishment in and around Chennai, viz., MRF, Enfield, Carborandum Universal, L&T, Audco, Areva, Hindustan Motor, T I Diamond Chain, Taslet India etc, strike was almost total. In State Electricity Board strike was massive. Strike in Neyveli Lignite, BHEL, Salem Steel was partial. In Tiruppur garment industry area employing more than 3 lakh workers, the strike was total. The small & medium industrial estates throughout the country witnessed complete strike. In the textile and engineering sector of Coimbatore, massive strike took place. Auto-rickshaw strike was almost total throughout the state. Unorganised workers in construction, beedi, headload, handloom, tailoring also joined the strike in all the centres of the state. In Kanyakumari district 50000 cashew workers and more than 5000 rubber plantation workers were on strike. Rasta Rokos and Rail Roko was organised and at 150 centres in the state, in which 30000 workers were arrested. In Chennai from a massive road-roko demonstration of 3000 workers, A Soundarrajan, General Secretary of TN State CITU and S S Theagarajan of AITUC were arrested among others.

PUNJAB:

Total strike witnessed all over the State affecting all sectors, including power and transport. In road transport corporations and also in Punjab State Electricity Board, strike was to the tune of 80 per cent. More than 20000 Anganwadi workers took part in the strike and participated in road-blockade demonstrations in several places. The industrial centers of Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Mandigobindgarh, Hoshierpur, Amritsar,etc reported massive response to strike action by the industrial workers and the textile workers in particular. Almost all the industrial centres including Chandigarh witnessed massive demonstration by tens of thousands of striking workers. Rasta Roko and protest rallies were staged in several places in the state by the striking workers including Pathankot, Sangrur, Mansa, Batinda, Amritsar, Rajkot, Garshankar, Nangal, Ropar, Nawasahar etc. Workers of the unorganised sector, particularly from brick-kiln, anganwadi, NREGA, Mid-day meal, Asaha, Powerloom, contract workers etc responded to the strike call in a big way. Throughout the state roadblockade and Rail-roko were organised in 60 places.

RAJASTHAN :

Strike impacted the entire State in a big way. Response of strike was almost total where road transport workers paralyzed traffic throughout the state and affecting all the 21 depots. The industrial workers in all the industrial centers of Jaipur, Kota, Ganganagar, Jhunujhunu etc joined the strike in a big way. Notable was complete closure of operation in all the major cement plants in the state viz., Birla Cement, Chitore Cement, Ambuja Cement and J K White owing to complete strike. Also notable was complete strike in major Textile Mills viz., Pali, Ringas, Bhawani Mandi at Bhilwara. Strike in Khetri Copper Complex and J K Tyre. In Jaipur over 3000 workers took out procession. Unorganised sector workers in loading-unloading in the mandis also joined the strike paralyzing the transactions in the Mandi. At Bhilwara police clashed with the workers’ procession and arrested many.

UTTAR PRADESH :

All industrial centers of Saharanpur, Kanpur, Meerut, Bulandsahar, Bareli, Baranasi, Lucknow, Ferozabad, Farukhabad, Agra, Jhansi, Ghaziabad, Noida etc reported massive strike action and militant demonstration. In Ghaziabad site-4 strike was almost total while in the city at G T Road, Meerut Road, Dasna and Rajendra Nagar around 80 per cent workers went on strike. In Bharat Electronics Ltd, strike was 68%. In Noida strike was massive in phase-1and 2 and in Chaproula and the striking workers staged militant demonstration and blockaded the road for hours. In Chandouli, Bulandsahar, Varanasi, Kanpur strike of the industrial workers was sizable. State Govt employees also took part in the strike in a big way. Medical Representatives also took part in the strike in a big way.

UTTARANCHAL:

Strike in Jal Nigam, Gadwal Vikash Nigam, was partial. Strike in THDC was partial. Besides complete strike in BSNL, Banks, Insurance, defence establishments and Survey of India, strike was partial in BHEL and THDC. Anganwadi workers were on total strike. In Dehradun, sugar mill, Tea plantation and Hotels witnessed substantial strike. Sugar Mills in Haldwani and Panthnagar reported good strike action by the workers. Unorganised sector workers in anganwadi, Asha, contractor workers participated in the strike in a big way. In Rudrapur, three factories reported complete strike. In Gopeswar, Pouri, Uttarkashi, Rudraprayag and Almora striking workers from Anganwadi, Asha, Mid-day-meal, contract workers have staged demonstrations.

CHHATTISGARH:

The coal belt in the state reported above 75% strike on the whole. The privatised Balco witnessed almost complete strike both by regular workers and contract workers. The markets at Rajnandgaon and Dhamtari were closed owing to strike by all the workers. All the 102 warehouses in the state were almost closed due to strike. Beedi workers and Anganwadi workers also joined the strike in a big way. In Bhilai Steel Plant, all the entry gates were jammed by thousands of workers and 50 per cent contract workers did not join the work. Strike was massive among anganwadi, contract workers, construction workers, bedi workers and mandi workers throughout the state.

ORISSA:

Massive response to strike call was received from nine districts viz., Sundargarh, Keonjhar, Baleswar, Bhadrak, Cuttack, Khurda, Puri, Ganjam, Jajpur Road and Angul and public transport were off the road. In the industries in these districts, strike was almost total. Mahanadi Coal Field witnessed massive strike. NALCO workers also joined the strike action in a big way. strike. In the iron-ore mines and sponge-iron belt of Orissa, strike was hundred per cent. In Rourkela Steel Plant, strike was partial. Transport sector workers joined the strike in a big way affecting normal traffic throughout the state. The Unorganised sector workers viz., anganwadi, construction, beedi, Asha workers, contract workers etc also joined the strike in a big way throughout the state and participated in massive rallies and demonstrations in several places.

MANIPUR:

A bandh like situation has emerged on the strike day as the passenger-bus services, auto-rickshaws and other private transport were off the road and all shops, markets and establishments were closed. No flight took off from Imphal Airport. The Govt offices, post offices, BSNL and A.G Offices were practically vacant owing to strike by the concerned employees. 15 workers, mostly women workers were arrested while picketing in the market.

JAMMU & KASHMIR:

A large procession of striking workers and employees from the industrial areas, banks, insurance, govt employees and other establishments started from Press Club at Jammu to converge at a mass rally at Indra Chowk. M Y Tarigami, President J&K State CITU addressed the rally.

GUJARAT:

Among the employees of banks, insurance and telecom, strike was massive. Among the industrial workers, strike call received a mixed response. Among the unorganised sector workers response to strike call was good.

In Ahmedabad, Baroda, Junagarh, Bhavanagar, Rajkot and Sabarkanthak massive rally and picketing was organised by striking workers. 152 were arrested at Bhavanagar, 102 at Ahmedabad, 60 at Rajkot, and 67 at Sabarkantak.

Source: http://www.citucentre.org/

NATIONAL FEDERATIONS PARTICIPATIONIN 7 SEPT STRIKE

Responding to the call of AIDEF, 70% workers responded to strike in Ordnance Factories, Defence Research and Development Organisations and also in the establishments under Directorates of Army, Navy and Air Force. In Dehradun, Jabalpur, Pune, Assam and West Bengal area many establishments remained closed due to 100% participation of the workers in the strike. Striking workers in all these places staged demonstration throughout the day. INTUC members under INDWF joined strikes in many areas whereas the Trinamool Congress in West Bengal tried to disrupt the strike by outsider strike breakers in Ichapur, Cossipur and Kakinara. Members of BMS (BPMS) in Kanpur, Allahabad, Muradnagar in Uttar Pradesh did not join strike.

ALL INDIA STATE GOVT. EMPLOYEES’ FEDERATION:

Strike was total in the Govt. offices in Tripura, Assam, West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Desperate Govt. of Hriyana embarked on the striking workers with lathi charge and arresting. Tamil Nadu Govt. also arrested thousands of striking workers. Though strike in Orissa, Madhya Pradesh and Punjab was partial but in Karnataks majority of workers participated. In Rajasthan demonstrative programme was observed all over the state.

CONFEDERATION OF CENTRAL GOVT. EMPLOYEES’ AND WORKERS:

Strike action elicited total participation in the states of Kerala, Tamilnadu, Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, Assam, Tripura, Meghalaya. Participation to strike of 80% employees was found in Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Bihar, Chattishgarh and in Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Orissa was partial. Employees of RMS division and a few other organisations in postal department in Delhi observed Strike.

BANK EMPLOYEES FEDERATION:

Overwhelming response was received from the bank employees all over the country causing a grinding halt of bank operation all over the country. Employees picketed before the gates of the banks, demonstrated there and conducted rally where the demands were described to the people.

ALL INDIA AUDIT & ACCOUNTS ASSOCIATION:

Employees in Allahabad (Accounts), Audit & Accounts units in Kolkata and Guwahati (accounts) observed total strike. Majority of employees in Kerala also participated to strike.

A good number of employees in Chennai (Accounts), Hyderabad and Mumbai joined strike. In Gwalior and Shimla the employees observed black day by holding lunch hour demonstration.

FEDERATION OF MEDICAL AND SALES REPRESENTATIVES’ ASSOCIATIONS OF INDIA:

Sales promotion employees participated in the strike in almost all states along with CITU and other organisations. FMRAI, members joined the rallies, picketing etc. along with other Trade Unions for making the strike successful. Strike action was visible in North Eastern States, Uttarakhand, Punjab along with other North Western states.

In Ahmednagar, Maharashtra Two of our leading functionaries were arrested for picketing in front of the managers’ of multinational company Abbott in the field when they were breaking the strike.

Source: www.citucentre.org.

GENERAL CRISIS STILL HAUNTING GLOBAL CAPITALISM - M.K. Pandhe

The champions of globalization and market economy have been trying to depict the picture that the recent general economic crisis in the world was not due to the capitalist system but due to selfish greed of some handful Chief Executives. The meltdown of the economy according to them was due to sub-prime loans given in the housing sector. It was also characterized as mortgage loan crisis due to some wrong policies or ineffective check-up mechanism by the Government. They even advocated that market economy had a mechanism to correct aberrations and with some stimulus packages the economy would be able to overcome the recessionary period.

The imperialist sponsored globalization through the agencies of World Bank and the IMF have made structural adjustment in the capitalist society in favour of the monopoly capital which adversely affected the living standards of the working people all over the world. The main features which have been clearly visible all over the world are as follows:-

1) Globalization has resulted in further concentration of capital through the process of merger and acquisition of big industrial units in a cut throat competition for capturing larger share of the market round the globe.

2) Advanced capitalist countries through WTO mechanism could capture large share of the market of developing countries while through trade blocks they could restrict the entry of goods from developing countries into their economies. They could also make the terms of trade more unfavourable to the developing country. Only exception was China.

3) Inequality both at the national and international levels had increased phenomenally. Twenty per cent of the population in advanced countries could control over 85 per cent of the global income. The bottom 20 per cent of the poorest population having only 0.3 per cent share of the global income!

4) Privatization of state owned undertakings at throw away prices to private sector companies adding to their profitability. Role of Government in economic matters was drastically reduced systematically.

5) Downsizing of manpower in all the undertakings was a keyword in the policy of globalization. Reckless retrenchment drive was undertaken adding to the reserve army of the unemployed persons in the society.

6) In the name of cutting cost and becoming competitive in the global market, attack on working and living conditions of the workers was undertaken in all directions. Regular jobs were converted into casual and contractual jobs. Outsourcing of jobs to ancillary units was massively undertaken adding to the surplus value generated by the capitalist.

7) Deregulation of economy was undertaken by all the Governments accepting the policies of globalization. Monopoly capital was given full freedom to intensify the exploitation of the working class and the poor people. Tax burden on the industries in the budget was heavily reduced to help the process of accumulation of wealth by handful of monopolists.

8) In the name of labour market flexibility labour laws were changed to enshrine the right of hire and fire for the employers. Non-implementation of the welfare laws became rampant while new draconian laws were enacted to suppress the trade union rights of the workers.

9) With stagnation in productive forces in the social system speculative activities were resorted to make quick profits without any addition to the production. Casino economy or the bubble economy became dominant and monopoly capital could use it to add to their ill-gotten profits.

10) The monopoly capital resorted to economic blockade economic sanctions, overthrow of progressive regimes through intervention in a clandestine manner, open armed intervention against governments challenging the supremacy of monopoly capital to help control over the world market.

11) Development of armament industry and weapons of mass destruction as a source of profit. Militarization of economy threatening the global peace.

12) Use the development of technology not for improving the standard of living of the society and elimination of poverty but for only augmenting then profitability. Use of Patent Rights or Intellectual Property Rights was extensively used to add to the coffers of the monopoly capital.

The last two decades of global experience has shown that the general crisis which began in USA has spread in other capitalist countries since the crisis was due to system itself and so long capitalism is operating in the world the occurrence of the crisis cannot be averted. Billions of dollars have been spend by the capitalist Governments at the cost of public money to save the monopoly giants from bankruptcy and utter collapse of the burden ultimately will fall on the common people who suffered most though they were not responsible for the general crisis. The so called stimulants was nothing but a daylight robbery of the common peoples wealth all over the world.

Vigorous attempts are being made by several spokepersons of capitalist globalization that the worst in the crisis of capitalism is over and a path of recovery would soon start all over the world.

However, Paul Kurgman, a Nobel Lauriette in his Column in New York Times wrote “unfortunately it is not true. This is not a recovery in any sense that matters.” He further noted, “we need about 2.5 per cent growth just to keep unemployment from rising and much faster growth to bring it significantly down. Yet growth is currently running somewhere between one and two per cent, with good chance that it will slow down further in the month ahead”.

The Hindu, English Daily reported on 28 August, “compounding heightened security on the prospect of a double dip recession, the U.S. Commerce Department on Friday (27 August) released a gloomy second quarter report that showed economic growth had remained flat at 1.6 per cent.”

The report further noted, “The rate was significantly lower than the 2.4 per cent that a majority of surveyed economists had expected, and combined with an unemployment rate stuck stubbornly at 9.5 per cent, it has cast serious doubts upon the prospects of a sustained recovery under the Obama administration”.
Ben Bernanke Chairman of the Federal Reserve admitted on the same day that the data on labour market remained “disappointing”.

BANKRUPTCY OF GENERAL MOTORS

When some of the U.S. economists started talking about overcoming of the recessionary phase of economy, the hundred year old topmost car manufacturing company General Motors filed for bankruptcy putting an end to all the talk of commencement of recovery. Several ancillary units of the company also faced the brunt of the crisis. However, the worst suffers were the workers employed in the company. The Government offered bailout package for the General Motors but no relief whatsoever was made available to the employees of the company.

Some forecasters believe that American disappointing GDP growth in the second quarter” observes Economist in its issue dated 14th August “ could be the start of a slide towards a second recession”.

On the plea of tackling the problem of high unemployment in USA Obama administration has passed a bill providing for enhancing visa fee for Indian applying for business visa from $2300 (Rs. One lakh eight thousand) to $4300 (Rs. Two lakh two thousand) as a deterrent to Indian technicians going to USA. The total enhancement for Indian IT companies is stated to be $200 million. India has 8766 software developing IT firms and 6493 firm dealing with IT enable services.

In U.S. Congress, these Indian companies were called “chop shop” a term used in USA for sheds where stolen cars are broken down and parts sold in the market.

Union Commerce and Industry Minister reacted to the enhancement of visa has for India as it would have “an adverse impact on the competitiveness and commercial interests of Indian companies sending professionals to undertake projects locally for American companies in the U.S.”

The enhancement of visa fees is a part of the U.S. policy to pass on the burden of the crisis on developing countries.

The Government of India is already giving liberal tax concession to IT sector companies despite their huge profitability. This industry has created several crorepatis and abjapatis in India. The industry is advocating for continuation of the concessions given to them. It is already known that these IT companies do not observe Labour Laws and do not allow formation of trade union in these firms.

THREAT OF DOUBLE – DIP RECESSION IN EUROPE

The British economy expanded last year by 1.7 per cent which indicated growth rate highest since 2001. However, as reported in Economic Times on 28th August “Britain’s growth pick-up may deepen the divide among policy makers as the Bank of England considers whether the economy faces a greater threat from inflation or needs more stimulus to avert a further recession”.

The journal further pointed out, “….a debt crisis threatens the recovery in the euro region, the UK’s largest trading partner, and there are sings the global recovery is cooling”.

The London Economist noted, “Some banks have been locked out of international borrowing markets, reflecting worries that they could be brought down by the woes of Southern Europe and the suspicion that they are sitting on sour loans from the boom years. The fear of contagion has raised debt costs for other banks. Unless faith is restored, the continents banking system, heavily reliant on wholesale borrowing, faces a funding crunch. That would force banks to lean even more heavily on central banks and governments to roll over their debts. It could also on a double dip recession (July 17, 2010).

Ed Balls, a candidate for the leadership of the UK’s opposition Labour party said that the government’s plans to cut the budget deficit immediately risk pushing Britain back into recession.

The situation in Greece has blown up the myth of capitalist recovery. The Economist in its issue dated 7th August noted, “Things will get worse. The economy is set to shrink by 4% this year and another 2.5% in 2011…… Unemployment already in double digits, is set to soar to 20%, say some trade unions.” The Economist further noted.

“The next round of reform will bring pubic sector job losses for the first time in living memory. Tens of thousands of contract workers are being sacked. Local banks are refusing to tend to the loss making state railways and the Athens transport system. Both will shed jobs in a restructuring that cannot be postponed. Several thousand posts in local government will disappear when municipalities are merged at the end of this year. Employers are skeptical of the governments promise to find other position for redundant public sector workers”.

NEGATIVE GROWTH OF GDP

The General crisis has been responsible for the negative growth of the GDP in the country. The UN statistics about the rate of GDP growth in 2009 shows a grim picture of the situation.

The following data clearly indicate the global situation of general decline of GDP in major capitalist countries.

Belgium -3.1%

Canada-2.5%

European Union-4%

France-2.2%

Germany-5%

Greece-2%

Italy -4.8%

Japan-5.3%

Russia -7.9%

Spain-3.6%

Switzerland -1.5%

United Kingdom-4.8%

United States-2.4%


As a result of pouring of trillions of dollars in the coffers of the capitalist undertaking which become bankrupt due to the crisis during the first quarter of 2010 some improvement in the performance of the economy was visible. It does not mean that the crisis was over. It only changed the character of the crisis. In Europe the economies of Portugal, Ireland, Italy, Greece and Spain are in douldrums and without support from other European countries the economic situation is likely to become extremely vulnerable. These countries have acquired the name PIIGS in Europe and resorting to several austerity measures which affect the living standards of the working class. Several agitations are emerging in these countries. In Greece alone 6 general strike have been organize during 2010.

The public debt of the Government’s in major capitalist countries has grown alarmingly indicating prosperity of some of the country depends on borrowed money. The Government spending in the name of bail out package has added to the public debt of several Governments whose burden will ultimately fall on the common man of the country. A large part of the national budget involved in repayment liabilities which will further bring down the developmental expenditure of the Governments.

GROWING PUBLIC DEBT

The public debt of major capitalist countries as a percentage of GDP gives us the following picture:

Japan 194.4%

Italy 105.6%

Belgium 86.1%

Greece 81.7%

France 66.6%

Portugal
65.8%

Germany
65.3%

Switzerland 50.2%

United Kingdom 43.3%

United States 36.8%

Spain 35.7%


This high public indebtedness of the country can trigger another crisis in the economy. Several economists have already expressed concern about this aspect of the present crisis. The high public debts are likely to result in various capitalist governments in the name of austerity measure would try to take measures that would hit hard the working and living conditions of the common people.

HIGH RATE OF UNEMPLOYMENT

The global capitalist economy, with the help of huge bailout packages has been able to help the big giant corporates to avoid total collapse and bankruptcy. However, high rate of unemployment continues to dog the economy facing to threaten the so called recovery of capitalism. The ILO in its recent study has noted that the high rate of unemployment in major capitalist countries continue to be a major phenomenon which is going to be more severe than the 1930 general crisis of capitalism. The ILO predicted that the high rate of unemployment continue to adversely affect the social development for quite some time. The millennium century goal projected by the World Summit are now not likely to be fulfilled by 2012 and poverty and destitute levels in the world are bound to adversely affect the growth rate projected by the World Bank and the IMF.

The latest available date on the rate of unemployment in the major capitalist countries gives us the following picture.

USA 9.30%

Greece 9.50%

France 9.10%

Canada 8.30%

Italy 7.70%

Germany 7.50%

Japan 5.10%

Australia 5.60%

Austria 4.80%

Denmark 4.30%

Growing inequality in the U.S. Society has added to the problem of unemployment Robert Reich former Secretary of Labour in Clinton Administration in a recent article published in New York times noted “The national economy is not escaping the gravitational pull of the Great Depression”. Elaborating his point he continued, “In the late 1970s the richest one percent of American families took in about 9 per cent of the nation’s total income by 2007 the top one per cent took 23.7 per cent of total income.”

“The rich spend a much smaller proportion of their incomes than rest of us “Reich pointed out “so when they get a disproportionate share of total income, the economy is robbed of the demand it needs to keep growing and creating jobs”. He therefore concluded, “we are left instead with a long and seemingly endless Great Job Recession”. (Published in India Express dated 4th September 2010)

The UPA Government in India is not prepared to learn from the experience of the global crisis and is continuing to pursue the policy of globalization with more determination. Higher GDP growth only reflects the increase in the capital accumulation by big business houses. While the smaller capitalist continue to suffer from stagnation and decline, the army of poorest of the poor continues to swell faster while the destitution of the farmers goes on unabated while the high prices of essential commodities is drastically reducing the standards of living of the common people. The liberal concessions given to MNCs continue to strengthen their grip over the Indian Economy. The drive towards privatization of public sector is augmenting the profitability of big business houses. The high level of corruption is enabling the capitalists to get away with whatever they want while the funds provided for welfare schemes is frittering huge resources and people are deprived of the intended benefit. Modern capitalism has miserably failed in solving the problems of the common people.

The toiling people in India as well as all over the world have no other alternative but to resist these policies and strive for alternative pro-people polices which alone will save them from further deterioration in their working and living conditions.

Source: www.citucentre.org

CITU – EDITORIAL OF WORKING CLASS, OCTOBER-2010

LET US FURTHER STRENGTHEN THE UNITY AND MOVE AHEAD

Working people all over the country, covering all the sectors, have responded magnificently to the call of Central Trade Unions and National Federations for the historic countrywide strike on 7th September. This has been the largest ever strike by Indian working class - a clear warning to the Indian ruling class that the Indian Trade Union movement is determined to fight for a change in the polices of the Government.

The five point charter of demands calls for a change in the policies being pursued. The trade unions have shown that despite differences on various issues, the workers, as a class, can get united and demand justice, not only to the workers themselves, but to all the toiling and deprived sections in the country. The trade unions did not expect a sudden change in the policies of the UPA II Govt, as the government is determined to go ahead with the neoliberal policies about which the Prime Minister has asserted again recently. Recent `policy’ decisions on disinvestments and also dilly dallying on the issues connected with Food Security, added with the continuing reports of violation of labour laws and denial of trade union rights makes it imperative, that this united movement has to be carried forward with many more united and massive actions in the coming days. Reports about preparations for seven day strike by Coal workers and three day strike by BSNL employees in October confirm the opportunities for carrying forward this united movement.

This magnificent strike on 7th September will be remembered as a bigger follow up to the 12 country wide general strikes, conducted by the Sponsoring committee of trade unions. In addition to the countrywide strikes, there has been more sectoral strikes, on policy issues, where wider unity of workers in those industries could be achieved. The message of 7th September has to be taken to the people all over the country. All Sections of working people have to be united. With more and more divisive and reactionary forces, trying to build up hurdles to the unity of the people and their united struggles, the initiative taken by trade unions during the last one year, which culminated in the strike is historically important. We should also take note of the fact that on 7th September itself, there has been massive strikes in various countries on almost identical demands. World Federation of Trade Unions (WFTU) had given the call for International Action Day with the slogans `We will not pay for their crisis’ and `Alternative in favour of the workers now’. Millions of workers have participated in strike actions, rallies and demonstrations in Europe and also in other continents. Strikes and Struggles in countries like France are continuing.

Let the unity of the Indian working people be further strengthened and more and more struggles conducted so as to defend the interests of the country as a whole.

Souce: citucentre.org (Working Class)

EMPLOYEES’ PENSION SCHEME 1995

CITU CALLS FOR INCREASED CONTRIBUTION BY GOVERNMENT AND EMPLOYERS - DIPANKAR MUKHERJEE

The Provident Fund & Miscellaneous Provisions Act 1952 is specifically for the Industrial workers both in the Public and Private Sector. As per this Act deduction @ 12% (w.e.f. 22/07/1997, earlier it was 8.33%) of the total wage of an employee is compulsorily made and an equivalent amount is required to be deposited by the employer in the fund managed by Employees’ Provident Fund Organization. An optional Family Pension Scheme (FPS 1971) was started during 1971 to arrange for payment of some amount of pension to the nominee wife/husband of any employee dying in harness. Here an amount equivalent to 1.67 % of wages of an employee and a matching grant out of the Provident Fund contributions got diverted to the Pension Fund with a Government contribution of 1.16 % of the wage. This scheme was withdrawn w.e.f. 15.11.1995 with the introduction of Employees Pension Scheme 1995 (EPS 1995) which was made compulsory for the FPS 1971 members. In the new scheme, 8.33% out of the employer’s contribution towards Provident Fund is required to be diverted to the Pension Fund with the remaining 3.67% deposited in the PF account. The Government’s contribution to the Pension Fund continued to remain static at 1.16 % of the wage. Thus PF benefit was reduced substantially and at the cost of PF benefits provision for superannuation or widow and children pension was made. There was widespread resentment amongst the workers against the scheme though the trade union movement in the country was not united to fight the case.

It was CITU only and a few independent unions who organized movement through out the country, several court cases were filed by various unions in different parts of the country all of which were brought to the Supreme Court for hearing. Against all the Special Leave Petitions, the Affidavit submitted by the Solicitor General had asked for judicial approval on all the provisions of the scheme and the Bench having relied upon the perceived beneficial aspects of the scheme, had opined that it was a “good scheme”. The EPS 1995 thus got endorsement of the Apex Court and all the SLPs were dismissed.

It is therefore imperative to get clearance from the Supreme Court before withdrawal of any benefit from the scheme. However, the benefits of Return of Capital and Commutation of Pension by exercising option have been withdrawn w.e.f. 26.09.2008. Similarly for the persons opting for early pension, the rate of reduction have been enhanced from the original 3% per year to 4% with effect from the same date. Withdrawal or reduction of any benefit of the original EPS 1995, which got due endorsement of the Apex Court, should not have been unilaterally withdrawn or modified without consent of Supreme Court or re-legislation.

Though as per the scheme 8.33% of wage out of employers’ contribution towards Provident fund is to be diverted to the Pension Fund but factually there is an upper cap of monthly wage which stands at Rs.6500/- as of now. At this rate of contribution the maximum pension receivable by a superannuated person is Rs.3250/- while the minimum pension is even below Rs.100/- only. This is the real face of the much publicized social security for the industrial workers !

The plight of the pensioners has repeatedly been brought to surface by CITU’s representative in the Central Board of Trustee (CBT) and on the floor of the Parliament by the left M.Ps quite a number of times.

In March 2008, the Government of India constituted a committee for comprehensive review of EPS 1995, giving it the mandate to look into all possible ways and means to meet the demands of the beneficiaries while ensuring the long term viability of the scheme.

Subsequent to the recommendation of this committee, an expert committee on EPS 95 was constituted on 12.06.2009 under the Chairmanship of the Special Secretary, Ministry of Labour & Employment with one Employer representative one employees representative (INTUC), the consultant actuary and the valuing actuary and representatives from the Labour Ministry and CPFC.

This committee has submitted its report to the Government on 05.08.2010 with following two recommendation:

Recommendation 1: Introduction of Provident Fund-cum-Pension Annuity Scheme – This is a defined contribution scheme with a mix of appropriate insurance. It has been suggested that two accounts shall be maintained in respect of each members: Provident Fund Contribution Account (PFCA) and Annuity Contribution Account (ACA). The committee has suggested diversion of 11.5% of the employer’s contribution to the pension Fund and remaining 0.5% to the Employees Deposit Linked Insurance Fund. The Government contribution in EPS has been suggested to be enhanced to 2% in place of existing 1.16%, thereby making the total contribution in the pension fund as 13.5%. The establishments where the employer’s and employee’s contribution is restricted to 10%, in their case 9.5% of the employer’s contribution and 2% of the employee’s contribution are to be diverted to EPS fund. They have also suggested that there shall be a statutory salary limit for coverage under the scheme upon which the contributions shall be calculated and to start with this salary limit is fixed at Rs.10,000/- per month. Provident Fund Contribution Account (PFCA) shall cater to the Provident Fund benefit for the members under the Scheme. The old age regular benefit to the members shall be provided in the form of annuity purchased through the accumulation in Annuity Contribution Account which will be allowed only at superannuation. In case of premature death, the spouse will be entitled to get accumulation in PFCA and purchase annuity from the accumulation in Annuity Contribution Account. In addition, the spouse will also get a lump sum from EDLI for purchasing annuity. Pensioners existing as on cut-off date (say 01.04.2011) shall be compensated by providing a lump sum commensurate with the age and amount of pension of the pensioner.

Recommendation 2: Modification in the existing Employees’ Pension Scheme, 1995. – To ensure a package of benefits consisting of a minimum pension of Rs.1000/- to all category of pensioners and a provision of annual relief of 3%, the following modifications in the existing scheme has been suggested;

a) Increase in wage ceiling from Rs.6500/- to Rs.10,000/- per month

b) Diversion of the entire 12% 0r 10%, as the case may be, of the employer’s contribution to the Pension Fund. The Government contribution in EPS has been suggested to be enhanced to 2.75% in place of existing 1.16%, thereby making the total contribution in the pension fund as 14.75%. The establishments where the employer’s and employee’s contribution is restricted to 10%, in their case 10% of the employer’s contribution and 2% of the employee’s contribution are to be diverted to EPS Fund.

c) Pensionable salary to be calculated as an average of last 3 years service in place of the existing 1 year.

d) Withdrawal option to be deleted

e) Bonus of 2 years to be disallowed

f) Nominee Pension to be disallowed

g)The age of superannuation to be raised from 58 to 60 years and

h)The age for early pension to be raised from 50 to 55 years

Why we resent and disagree :

CITU has strongly resented and flayed these recommendations and sent a detailed note to the Chairman, Central Board of Trustees protesting against Government’s intention to abrogate its responsibility in strengthening a social security scheme like pension. CITU has demanded that the recommendation of the committee should be rejected and Government and the employers have to contribute more to make the Employees Pension Scheme 1995 viable. Following are the salient points of the note which have been sent to the Labour Minister who is also the Chairman of CBT.

• The study and recommendation of the Expert Committee is severely flawed and unreliable because of the sample size is “small” and not representative. It is only 5.4% of membership. Any recommendation for change of the scheme particularly when the change is of basic nature must be substantiated by actual figures and not notional one based on computed figures.

• The Expert Committee has found that out of 4.45 crores of EPF members, information of about only 24.39 lakh, just 5.5% of the total members, is consistent and complete.

The recommendation by the Expert Committee on such data and membership can not be an authentic basis for assessing the deficiencies and / or sustainability of the EPS-95.

• Comments on the recommendations for Conversion to Annuity Scheme:

a) The idea of Annuity Scheme makes EPFO/Government free from the responsibility of providing Pension to the employees or their families. EPFO will only be a caretaker of the contribution made under EPS-95.

b) There is no guarantee that compliance will improve and/or the employers will be too enthused to get their employees registered under any Annuity Scheme.

c) Annuity Scheme does not serve any purpose in case of early death of an employee.

d) There will be rampant misuse of fund by the Annuitant fund manager because of lack of checks and balances and a question will be always coming up – if EPFO decides to opt for a diminishing role, why should employees opt to go for Annuity Scheme through EPFO? In this system the liability will rest on EPFO but the administration of fund, with all the associated dangers of fund management will be entrusted to others with little control over them.

The Employees Pension Scheme 1995 has been conceived as a defined benefit social security scheme. Any departure from this criterion and to put it into a market driven annuity scheme is not acceptable.

• Comments on the recommendation for modification in the existing EPS-95

a) Raising the wage ceiling to Rs. 10,000/- or to Rs. 15,000/- means transfer of money from a member’s personal PF to EPS-95.

This will only lead to diversion of workers PF money to pension fund. As a consequence, the benefit of the worker towards PF is going to be reduced and pension will not also be substantially increased.

b) Moreover, the number of high paid workers is continuously decreasing, substituted by lower paid contractors’ workers and out-sourced workers. So, this ‘subsidy’ by high paid workers will get reduced progressively with time. Hence periodical revision of wage ceiling will have little effect on the finances of EPS-95 but it may have a disastrous effect on the whole EPF system as there may be large scale exit from EPF by the higher salaried employees. The entire process will be counter productive.

c) This exercise shows that while the government has no intention to increase their contribution beyond 1.16% and will also not ask the employer to make some additional contribution for the social benefit of the employees. The contribution of employers towards PF and Pension Fund collectively remains static and the suggestion of the Expert Committee now is to divert its entire contribution of 12% to Pension Fund means further robbing of the provident fund accumulations of the members. The PF benefit is already under severe strain in view of the diversion of 8.33% of employer’s contribution and any further diversion will add to the misery and is thus not acceptable.

d) The recommendation does not say a single word on the revision of pension for the existing pensioners rather they have suggested in their recommendation no.1 that the pensioners existing as on cut-off date (say 01.04.2011) shall be compensated by providing a lump sum commensurate with the age and amount of pension of the pensioner. The number of pensioners who are getting pension on the following brackets as on 31.03.2008 is a clear example of how meager the pension amount is.

Pension amount per month

Number of pensioners

Upto Rs.300/-
1,82,790
Between Rs. 301/- and Rs. 400/-
2,26,807
Between Rs. 401/- and Rs. 500/-
2,43,654
Between Rs. 501/- and Rs. 1000/-
8,66,705

While the number of member pensioners as on 31.03.2008 was 18,05,012, number of pensioners getting less than Rs.500/- per month was 6,53,251 i.e more than one third of the pensioners are in receipt of monthly pension at the rate of Rs.500/- or less. Similarly the number of pensioners receiving pension below Rs.1000/- per month was 15, 1995 which accounted for 84% of the total pensioners. There must therefore be arrangement for enhancement of the minimum pension for all old and existing pensioners to a level by which one can sustain his livelihood.

Conclusion –

• Fast track mechanism should be immediately set up to make all contribution records to EPS-95, “COMPLETE” & “CONSISTENT”.

• There is a general trend from the Government as well as employers corners to publicize that there is employer’s contribution in the EPS 95 which is not at all correct. The Employees’ Provident Fund Scheme. when first introduced during 1951, same rate of contribution by the employee and employer were remitted to the provident fund account. With the introduction of FPS 1971, much to the objection of the trade union movement, 1.16% of contribution of the employee and employer were both diverted to the family pension fund. In the EPS 95 again in spite of strongest resistance, the Government arranged diversion of 8.33% of the employer’s share in the provident fund to pension fund. Historically therefore this cannot be treated as employers contribution, it is only diversion of the fund from one account to the other. It is imperative therefore to ensure some significant contribution of the employers in true sense to the pension fund for strengthening the scheme.

• Further, recovery of outstanding dues from the defaulting establishments will also strengthen the scheme. There must be stringent punishment for the defaulting establishments. The officials having connivance with the defaulting establishments should be identified and severely punished. It has now become clear to all the employees that Employees’ Pension Scheme 1995 is not at all beneficial to the workers. Within the framework of defined benefits, EPS 1995 can be made beneficial only through enhancement of Employer’s as well as Government’s share without affecting the present rate of contributions in the EPF as well as enhancing the wage ceiling. All withdrawn or curtailed benefits i.e., the benefits of Return of Capital and Commutation of Pension and enhanced rate of reduction for early pension are required to be restored immediately. The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Labour in its 39th Report has also strongly recommended that the formula regarding rate of contribution should be revised at periodic intervals wherein the rate of contribution from the Government should at least be fixed at half of the rate of contribution which is being made by the employer. The Committee has also recommended restoration of the withdrawn/curtailed benefits.

• The Expert Committee has based their calculations on the basis that interest return on investments will be around 7.5 – 8.0%. In a scenario of economic downturn the market rate of interest may plummet to any level, as we know in USA it is 1% and in Japan it is 0.5% and in some cases the establishments are big defaulters. Yet the social security schemes are operating because governments’ contributions have made the schemes sustainable. The Government must decide whether to have a social security scheme at all for the workers. If the answer is positive then such a scheme cannot be framed upon 1.16% contribution and market rate of interest earning on deposits. The government must come forward to meet the biggest and most important social responsibility to provide adequate social security benefit to workers. The social security of workers issue has earned utmost importance and priority internationally by all governments, ILO and even some corporate because economic downturns have made the workers most vulnerable. The government of India can not just say that we ill give 1.16% on contribution and the rest you manage. We wonder how the Actuaries can help us in this matter. The question before us is not mathematical calculations but a major policy decision.

Source: www.citucentre.org

CONSTITUTION OF THE CENTRE OF INDIAN TRADE UNIONS

Constitution of the Centre of Indian Trade Unions(With amendments made in the Eleventh Conference of CITU held in Chennai from December 9-13, 2003)

NAME

1. The name of the organization shall be CENTRE OF INDIAN TRADE UNIONS (to be designated in abbreviated form as the CITU).

2. The flag of the CITU will be red in colour with hammer and sickle in centre in white colour, with the letters CITU vertically on the left.

AIMS AND OBJECTS

3. (A) The CITU believes that the exploitation of the working class can be ended only by socializing all means of production: distribution and exchange and establishing a Socialist State. Holding fast the ideal of socialism, the CITU stands for the complete emancipation of the society from all exploitation.

(B) The CITU fights:

(a) against all encroachments on the economic and social rights of workers and for enlargement of their rights and liberties including the right to strike, for winning, defending and extending the freedom of the democratic and trade union movements,

(b) for the recognition of trade unions on the basis of secret ballot,

(c) for the progressive improvement of wages, for reduction of working hours, for provision of decent housing and improvement of the living conditions of the workers,

(d) for security of full employment, right to work and against the hazards of unemployment,

(e) for full and adequate social security legislation to protect the workers and their families against sickness, accident and old age, providing adequate maternity insurance and pensions for widowed mothers and dependent children, and every other type of social security, for effective control of the worker subscribers over the Provident Fund and ESI Corporations,

(f) for equal wages for equal work,

(g) for the abolition of discrimination based on caste, like untouchability, on sex, and religion, in relation to employment, wages and promotion,

(h) for the protection of the democratic rights of the minorities,

(i) for formation through election of committees in factories, workshops, business houses and other places where collective work is performed, with a view to control conditions of work in these places,

(j) for proper vocational training,

(k) for elimination of illiteracy,

(l) for helping workers organize unions where none exists, for rallying the workers in a single union by uniting the rival unions in one industry.

(C) (a) In the fight for the immediate interests of the working class the CITU demands:

(1) nationalization of all foreign monopoly concerns who barbarously exploit our working class

(2) nationalization of all concerns owned by Indian monopolists and big industry who garner huge profits at the expense of the workers, who exploit the people by pegging prices at high level and who dictate the anti-labour and anti-people policies of the Government.

(b) The CITU fights against the repressive policies of the Government towards the democratic and trade union movements; it fights against its economic policy of safeguarding the interests of capitalists and landlords and piling burdens on the common man and the working class through increasing taxation and inflation. It fights for replacing the present bourgeois-landlord regime by a democratic regime of the people.

(D) 1. For this purpose:

(a) The CITU while supporting the democratic demands of other section of the people seeks the help of other democratic forces and organisations in the common fight to replace the present bourgeois-landlord regime by a democratic regime of the people.

(b) the CITU raises its voice against the growing dependence of our economy on American and other foreign monopoly capital and piling up of foreign debts which is leading to severe exploitation of the working class and creating a dangerous situation for national freedom.

2. The CITU promotes relations of solidarity with the peasants and agricultural workers in the fight for land, against usury and rent, and high taxation and lend every help to the forces of agrarian revolution, to support in full the struggle of the agricultural workers for higher wages and decent conditions. The CITU believes that no lasting improvement in the economic conditions of the working class is possible without a complete liquidation of the feudal land relationship, and ending the monopoly of the big landlords.

3.It promotes international solidarity and unity with the workers of other countries in the common fight for socialism, promote fraternal relations and deep bonds of unity with workers and people of socialist countries.

4.It helps peoples in their fight against imperialist domination and aggression and render all assistance to national liberation movements against imperialism.

5.The CITU fights for the maintenance of world peace, against all imperialist plots for unleashing world war, against nuclear war and for the abolition of all nuclear and other weapons of mass destruction.

6. It fights for peaceful co-existence between states belonging to different social systems.

7. It fights for a foreign policy based on friendly relations with neighboring countries, opposing war and supporting peace and national liberation movements.

8. The CITU co-operates with international trade union organisations for the furtherance of the common aims of the trade union movement.

9. It firmly adheres to the position that no social transformation can be brought about without class struggle and shall constantly repel attempts to take the working class along the path of class collaboration.

DEMOCRATIC FUNCTIONING

4. (a) To achieve its purpose the CITU will constantly endeavour to build united activity with other central organisations and of unions and organisations affiliated and not affiliated, in the struggle for common objectives.

(b) The CITU considers that the democratic functioning of the organisation at all levels and of its constituents is essential to achieve its objectives.

(c) The democratic functioning of the organisation requires strict adherence to the provisions of the Constitution regarding periodic meetings of CITU bodies, to the discharge of the obligations of their responsibilities and the collective functioning of the various bodies under the Constitution.

(d) The minority view point in the CITU bodies, should have the right of free expression, and should be given adequate representation in all its bodies. This will be ensured by the method of cumulative voting.

(e) The CITU bodies at the centre have the responsibility of ensuring that the State Committees and other bodies that may be elected, function democratically, according to the rules laid down, ensuring free expression, within the organisation for all sections.

(f) The State Committees of the CITU will ensure that the constituent unions function democratically, according to their Constitution and take up all complaints about non-democratic functioning with the parties concerned.

(g) The decisions of the bodies of the CITU shall be taken by a simple majority. A two-thirds majority will be required if the issue concerns amendment of the Constitution or the establishment of modification of its programme. Normally elections to the bodies of the CITU will be held on the basis of cumulative voting.

COMPOSITIOIN OF THE CITU

5. The CITU consists of:

(i) the affiliated unions,

(ii) the delegates assembled at the triennial or special session of the CITU Conference.

(iii) The General Council,

(iv) The Working Committee or the General Council, and

(v) The State Conference, the State Committees and State Councils.

THE CITU CONFERENCE

6. (1) The General Session will meet once in every three years. The session will be called the CITU Conference. It is the highest organ of authority in the CITU and all bodies of the CITU derive their authority from it.

(2) The Conference will consist of the delegates elected by the constituent unions in accordance with the rules under the Constitution and the office bearers of the CITU will have the same status as the elected delegates.

(3) The functions and powers of the CITU Conference are as follows:

(a) Adopting the programme and the general policy of the CITU, making such changes in them as are considered necessary in the interests of the working class.

(b) Discussion and adoption of the report presented by the General Secretary, discussion and adoption of such other reports that may be presented by the General Council on the questions of the agenda,

(c) Examination and discussion of questions put to the Conference by constituent State Committees and constituent unions,

(d) Pass resolutions on current questions affecting the working class,

(e) Take decisions on affiliations of unions, on disaffiliation and other type of disciplinary actions,

(f) Election of the General Council,

(g) Election of the Office Bearers,

(h) The Conference will fix its own agenda,

(i) It will modify or amend the present Constitution,

(j) It will elect the General Council according to the rules prescribed,

(k) It will pass the audited Statement of Accounts,

(l) It will take any other decision consistent with the programme and the Constitution of the CITU.

SPECIAL SESSION

7. A special session of the CITU Conference in between two triennial sessions may be called by the General Council or on a requisition from unions representing one-fourth of the total strength of the membership of the CITU.

ELECTIOIN OF DELEGATES TO CITU SESSION

8.(a) For the General or the Special Session of the CITU the affiliated unions shall be entitled to elect delegates on the basis to be decided each time by the General Council prior to the Conference taking into consideration possibility of making arrangements for the total number of delegates and need for protecting the interests of smaller unions.

(b) To ascertain the number of delegates which an affiliated union is entitled to send the CITU, the basis shall be the number of paying members existing on the register of the union, as disclosed in the balance sheet of the union, for the calendar year prior to the session of the CITU, duly certified by the auditor.

(c) An affiliated union shall furnish to the General Secretary of the CITU the names and addresses of the delegates two weeks before the date fixed for the session of the CITU.

(d) Delegates' cards will be issued on production of a certificate of election by the Secretary or the President of the union concerned and on payment of a delegation fee of Rs.2 per delegate, or an amount fixed by the Working Committee.

(e) No person who is not an office-bearer or a paying member or an honorary member of the affiliated union, shall be entitled to be elected as a delegate to the CITU.

(f) proposals from the constituent unions on the agenda of the General Session of the CITU must be signed by the President or the Secretary of the Union sending them and must reach the General Secretary of the CITU at least two weeks before the time fixed for the meeting of the CITU.

(g) At the session of the CITU, the official business shall be given priority over other business.

THE GENERAL COUNCIL

9. (a) The General Council shall comprise (i) Office Bearers (ii) 425 other members elected by the general session of the CITU Conference as per norms noted below.

The 425 seats as above will be distributed among the State Committees of the CITU in proportion to their respective membership strength to the total membership of the CITU forming the basis of election of delegates to the general session of the CITU Conference.

(Explanation: This 425 shall include 125 members of the Working Commtitee, as in Section 10,(1)

(aa) The delegates from each state shall elect the member(s) from the respective state as per number determined as at (a) above.

(aaa) The names of members of the General Council elected as above shall be approved by the general session of the CITU Conference.

(B) POWERS AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE GENERAL COUNCIL

(a) The General Council following its election by the Conference, will elect the Working Committee. The General Council will be the highest authority between two sessions of the CITU.

(b) The General Council will implement the policies and resolutions of the Conference, will review the situation in the trade union movement from time to time and take all necessary steps to further the policies of the organisation, to defend the interests of the working class and unify its ranks.

(c) It will examine and discuss reports presented by the General Secretary and other office bearers on behalf of the Working Committee and take appropriate decisions, it will examine whether all CITU Bodies are functioning democratically according to the Constitution and take appropriate steps to remedy weakness.

(d) It will set up work plans for CITU committees to expand trade union work, bring fresh workers within the organization and help the workers to build united unions and unity in the trade union movement.

(e) It will co-ordinate the activities of the affiliated unions all over India, endeavour to develop common actions, it will render help and guidance to working class strikes, conducted by affiliated or non-affiliated unions, develop solidarity actions among workers of different industries and States and among workers and employees.

(f) It will approve the Statements of Accounts submitted by the Treasurer.

(g) It will take urgent steps in the interest of the movement wherever necessary.

(h) It will affiliate new unions and has the right to disaffiliate defaulting unions according to the rules of the Constitution.

(i) The General Council will popularize the objectives of the CITU. It will take concrete decisions to fight against the anti-labour and anti-people polices of the ruling classes and the Government.

(j) The General Council will fix the date and venue of the triennial session of the CITU Conference or authorize the Working Committee or the Secretariat to fix the date and venue of the session and convene it.

(k) The General Council will have the right to call a special session in between two sessions of the Conference.

(l) The General Council can fill the vacancy of an office-bearer whenever it will arise.

(m) It will amend the Constitution in case of emergency.

THE WORKING COMMITTEE

10. (1) The Working Committee of the CITU shall comprise:

(a) Office-bearers and (b) 125 members elected by and out of the General Council from each state in the same manner and proportion, as described in Section 9. (A) (ii) (a). (c) The names of members of the Working Committee elected as above shall be approved by the meeting of the General Council.

(2) The Working Committee shall meet at least once a year.

(3) In between two sessions of the General Council, the Working Committee will act on behalf of Council, exercise its authority, except in relation to the amendment of the Constitution, and discharge all its responsibilities.

(4) The decisions of the Working Committee will have to be placed for endorsement before the next session of General Council.

(5) On a requisition from the unions representing one-fourth of the total membership of the CITU, the Working Committee shall take steps to call a special session of the CITU within two months of the receipt of the requisition for purpose of transaction of the business mentioned in the requisition.

OFFICE-BEARERS OF THE CITU

11. (1) (a) The office-bearers of the CITU shall consist of:

(i) a President
(ii) a General Secretary
(iii) Vice-Presidents
(iv) A Treasurer, and
(v) Secretaries,
(Explanation: The number of Vice-Presidents and Secretaries will be decided by the Conference at each session)

(b) The office-bearers shall be elected by the triennial session of the Conference, after having received nominations duly proposed and recommended by one or more delegates. Nominees must be person who are elected delegates at the Session or retiring office-bearers.

(2) (a) The President shall preside over the meetings of the General Council and the Working Committee. The outgoing President shall preside at the General Session and any session that may be held during his term of office.

(b)The President along with the General Secretary and the Secretariat bears the responsibility of executing the decisions of the Working Committee and the General Council, maintain close contacts with the State units, to ensure collective functioning at all levels, to popularize CITU policies and explain these in relation to current issues.

(3) A Vice-President shall preside over the meeting of the General Council or the Working Committee in the absence of the President. All the Vice-Presidents will act as members of Presidium during General and Special Sessions of the CITU to assist the president in conducting the deliberations.

(4) The General Secretary is responsible for the activities of the CITU in between two sessions of the Working Committee. He in consultation with the president and the Secretaries may take urgent decisions to further the work of the organisation. Such decisions are to be endorsed by the Working Committee or the General Council whichever meets earlier.

(5) The General Secretary shall present to the CITU Conference a report of the work done by the General Council and Working Committee during the period between two Sessions. The report should also contain details of the activities of the State Units. It should specifically report on the collective and democratic functioning of the organisation at all levels and detail out steps to be taken to develop the organic unity of the organisation. Besides, it should deal with current problems of vital interest to the movement and suggestions to meet them in full conformity with the policies and programme of the Constitution. The General Secretary or the Secretariat will also submit reports of work to the periodical meetings of the Working Committee and the General Council.

(6) The Treasurer is responsible for the maintenance of proper accounts of all the fund of the CITU and keeping them in safe custody. He shall ensure that the CITU funds are spent in accordance with the decisions of the Working Committee and as per the direction of the General Secretary, or the Secretariat. He shall get the accounts audited every year and submit them before the Working Committee and the General Council for approval. He will also present a statement of accounts and balance sheet duly certified by auditors to the Conference of CITU.

(7) The Secretaries shall assist the General Secretary in carrying out his responsibilities.

(8) The President, the General Secretary, all the Secretaries and the office-bearers, constitute the Secretariat of the CITU.

(9) In case of emergency, or when either the General Council or Working Committee cannot be convened decision on important questions may be taken by circular to the members to Working Committee.

NOTICE FOR MEETING

12.1(a) Notice of (the time, place and agenda) meetings of the Working Committee, the General Council and the triennial or special session of CITU shall be issued by the General Secretary and in his absence by one of the Secretaries.

(b)For the meeting of the Working Committee and the General Council, at least 15 days notice shall be given and for the Session of the CITU Conference, at least one month's notice shall be given.

(c)Full two months notice is necessary for changes in the Constitution and programme of the CITU.

(d)Emergency meeting of Working Committee can be called by giving a notice of 7 days.

(e) These provisions apply in relation to the meeting of the State Conferences, and State Committees. The Secretary of the State Conferences, and State Committees.

The Secretary of the State Committee will issue the required notices.

2. The quorum at the Session of the CITU Conference and at the meeting of the General Council, the Working Committee, the State Conferences, State Committees and Councils, shall be one-third of the members of the delegates or members of the respective bodies.

STATE COMMITTEES

13.(a) The State Committees and State Council (wherever they exist) of the CITU constitute vital link between the CITU central bodies and the activities of the constituent unions.

(b)The State Committees and Councils are directly responsible for guiding the constituent unions and their activities in the State in defence of the interests of the working class, implementing the CITU policies and expanding the trade union activities, for rallying workers to build one union in one industry by uniting rival unions.

(c)The State Committees and Councils have the responsibility of coordinating the activities of affiliated unions in the State, working for joint actions with non-affiliated organisations and keeping the Central Office informed of its activities.

(d)The State Committees and Councils have the responsibility of propagating the political objectives and policies of the CITU as described in Section.

(e)It is their responsibility to ensure collective and democratic functioning in the State and constituent unions so that close ties are evolved between different unions and between the members and leaders of each union. It is also their responsibility to see that minority opinion is given freedom of expression and proper representation in the elected bodies.

(f)Corresponding to the CITU Conference, there shall be held every two years at least a conference of delegates of all the unions in the State, affiliated to the CITU. The Conference will elect a State Council corresponding to the General Council which in its turn will elect a State Committee. In case the State Conference feels that a Council is not necessary, it may directly elect the State Committee.

(g)The State Conference will elect such office-bearers as it may think fit, apart from a Secretary and a Treasurer.

(h)The State Conference will lay down the basis of representation on the State Council or the State Committee and the number of members for the Committee and the Council.

(i)The State Conference at its Session will:

(1)take decisions to implement the policies of the CITU Conference, General Council and Working Committee; ensure the implementation of these policies and report on violation, if any, by unions,

(2)discuss and adopt the report of the Secretary,

(3)adopt the statement of accounts submitted by the Treasurer,

(4)discuss immediate issues including the policy of the State Government and take appropriate decisions. It will discuss questions affecting all India movement, labour legislations and policies of the Government of India, and take decisions and suggest decisions to the General Council.

(5) take all measures to co-ordinate the activities of constituent unions, develop one union in one industry, and take steps to initiate and guide the struggle of the working class in the State; and develop solidarity actions with the workers in other states,

(6)recommend unions for affiliation to the General Council in accordance with rules laid down in the Constitution, it will also recommend the disaffiliation of unions to the General Council on the grounds enumerated in the Constitution,

(7) actively popularize the political objectives of the CITU and take decisions for appropriate political action where necessary. In particular it will make special endeavours to build close ties with kisan organisations and support the struggle of the poor peasants and agricultural workers for land and decent wages.

(j) In between two sessions of the State Conference the State Council will function as the leading body in the State and fulfill all the responsibilities and all the powers of the State Conference except in relation to the amendment of the Constitution of the State Committee.

(k) The State Committee will function between two sessions of the State Council and discharge all its responsibility and have all its powers.

(l)The State Committee will meet at least once in two months and the Council once in four months.

(m)The State Committee will consider all applications for affiliation from the State and forward them to the CITU office with its recommendations. Such application shall be forwarded by the State Committee to the General Secretary within a period of two months from its receipt by the Committee.

(n)The State Council may frame bye-laws for its functioning consistent with the provision of the Constitution.

(o)This State Committee or Council may also permit the formation of District, City or Regional Councils wherever necessary for the co-ordination of the activities of the Trade Unions in the area and for carrying out the objective of the CITU.

AFFILIATION OF UNIONS

14 (a) The CITU may affiliate to itself any bonafide trade union which satisfies the following conditions:

(i) The trade union seeking affiliation shall make an application in prescribed form;

(ii) It shall pay every year affiliation fee and special levies as provided in these rules;

(iii) It shall send a copy of its Constitution, a list of office-bearers, as a copy of the Statement of Accounts for the calendar year giving an average paying membership, duly audited by an auditor, and such other information as the General Secretary of the CITU may require;

(iv) The application for affiliation shall be forwarded through the State Committee concerned wherever such a Committee exists, to the General Secretary, CITU. Such applications shall be forwarded by the State Committees to the General Secretary within a period of two months from its receipt by the Committee, with its remarks regarding the eligibility of the union for affiliation, under the Constitution of the CITU;

(v) The minimum fee which a union desiring affiliation henceforward to the CITU shall charge its members, shall not be less than three rupees per year, to be collected either monthly, quarterly, half-yearly or yearly;

(b) The Working Committee of the CITU shall have the authority to accept or reject any application for affiliation form a trade union, provided, however, that an aggrieved union has the right to appeal to the General Council or Special Session of the CITU.

AFFILIATION FEES

15. Each affiliated union shall pay to the CITU:

(a) An affiliation fee at the rate of One Rupee (Re1/-) per member per calendar year subject to the minimum of Rs.40/-.

(b) The annual subscription of the journal, The Working Class.

(c) Such other amount as may be fixed by the General Council and/or the State Committee in order to facilitate the functioning.

(d) All three contributions vide (a) (b) & (c) above are inseparable part of affiliation fee.

16. (i) The affiliation fee shall be paid by the 30th June each year. However, if the session is held before June 30th, the affiliation fee for the year shall be paid before the session. If in the case of any union there is difficulty in ascertaining the full membership for the year, because of earlier payment, the previous year's membership may be accepted as the membership for the Session. The special contribution or levy shall become payable as and when fixed in each case. Non-payment of the affiliation fee that has become due shall disqualify the defaulting union from voting at or participating in the meeting of the CITU or any of its constituent bodies, until the payment is made; provided that the Working Committee may in special cases for reason to be recorded, remove the disqualifications.

(ii) A union when disqualified for non-payment of the affiliation fees may be reaffiliated on payment of the arrears and the current fees.

(iii)In case a union is disqualified, within the meaning of clause (i)for a period of not less than 12 months the General secretary may issue a notice to the Union concerned, to make good within three months all the dues at the date of notice. In case the union fails to pay all such arrears, demanded within the time given, it shall be liable for disaffiliation. The General Council may, for reasons to be specified, waive the whole or part of these arrears in the case of specified unions.

ELECTION OF DELEGATES TO NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCES

17. Delegates and advisers of various national and international conferences and meetings shall be ordinarily elected at meetings of the General Council or the Working Committee whichever is in session. In case of emergency, or when either the General Council or the Working Committee can not be convened, decisions may be taken by circular to the members of the Working Committee.

INTERNATIOINAL AFFILIATION

18. The CITU may be affiliated to such international bodies as have the same or similar objectives.

FINANCE

19. The funds of the CITU shall be kept in a bank and the Working Committee shall have the power to nominate such persons from among the office-bearers of the CITU, one of whom must be the Treasurer, who may be authorized to open and operate such bank accounts.

DISCIPLINARY ACTION

20 (a) The General Council shall have the power to disaffiliate any union which fails to pay its affiliation dues, or which is willfully working against the interests and the constitution of the CITU.

(b) The General Council shall have the power to remove any office-bearer guilty of anti-working class action. It shall have the right to take similar action against any member of the General Council guilty of the above action. Before taking such action the person concerned shall be given an opportunity to explain his conduct.

(c) The State Committees and other bodies shall have similar rights in relation to their members.

(d) The individuals or unions concerned have the right to appeal to the CITU Conference or the State Conference, against action taken by the General Council or the State Council respectively.

(e) The General Council shall have power to decide by a two-third majority to dissolve or reorganise a State Committee or State Council if it is functioning against the policies of the CITU or is unable to discharge its responsibilities because of inactivity or any other cause. Before taking such action, the General Council shall convene a meeting of the State Committee or State Council to give a hearing to its members. Within six months of taking such action, the General Council shall convene a Conference of the unions of the State to elect State Committee and/or State Council.

BYE-LAWS

21. The General Council shall have the power to make bye laws, not inconsistent with the Constitution.

Source: www.citucentre.org

FRANCE - COMMON PEOPLE OBSERVE COUNTRY-WIDE GENERAL STRIKE AGAINST DISINVESTMENT, PRIVATISATION AND AMENDMENTS IN PENSION REGULATIONS

CLICK TO ENLARGE