Workers are not beggars
Confederation declared 48 hours nationwide strike of Central
Government Employees on 12th &13th FEB 2014
demanding settlement of 15 point Charter of Demands including DA Merger,
Interim Relief, Inclusion of Gramin Dak Sewaks in 7th CPC,
Regularization & Revision of wages for casual labours , Date of effect of 7th
CPC as 1/1/2014, Rescind the PFRDA Act etc.
Start campaign and preparation now onwards. Each Affiliated organizations
should issue separate circulars to all the state and district units and conduct
department wise campaign. Strike notice should be served by each organization
to their Head of the departments
MAKE THIS
STRIKE A THUNDERING SUCCESS
CONFEDERATION OF CENTRAL GOVT. EMPLOYEES & WORKERS
1st Floor, North Avenue PO Building, New Delhi –
110001
Website: WWW.
Confederationhq.blogspot.com
Email: Confederationhq@yahoo.co.in
Circular No. 11
Dated 12.1.2014
WORKERS ARE NOT BEGGARS
Dear Comrades,
Confederation declared 48 hours nationwide strike of Central
Government Employees on 12th &13th February 2014 demanding settlement of 15
point Charter of Demands including DA Merger, Interim Relief, Inclusion of
Gramin Dak Sewaks in 7th CPC, Regularization & Revision of wages for casual
labourers, Date of effect of 7th CPC
as 01.01.2014. Rescind the PFRDA Act etc.
Start campaign and preparation now onwards. Each Affiliated
organization should issue separate circulars to all the State and District
units and conduct Department wise campaign. Strike notice should be served by
each organization to their Head of the department.
MAKE THIS STRIKE A THUNDERING SUCCESS
MASS DHARNA AT JANTAR MANTAR, NEW DELHI on
9th JANUARY, 2014
In culmination of the first phase of our agitation programme a
mass dharna was organized at Jantar Mantar, New Delhi on 9th January,
2014 in pursuance of the 15 point charter of demands. As per the
decision of the National Secretariat, all Secretariat members along with the
leaders and workers of Delhi State was to take part in the Dharna.
However, quite a number of comrades from various other parts of the country
volunteered to participate in the programme, despite the chilling weather
conditions of Delhi, which reflected the growing determination of the rank and
file of the workers to fight for the demands and to win the same. Com. K. K. N.
Kutty National President presided. The Dharna was inaugurated by Com. S. K.
Vyas, Adviser, Confederation which preceded by a welcome speech delivered
by Com. Vrighu Bhattacharya, Secretary, Delhi State Committee. Leaders of
almost all major affiliates of the Confederation and other Secretariat. Members
addressed the participants. Com. A.K. Padmanabhan, President, CITU while
greeting the participants in the Dharna, stressed the need for a long and
sustained struggle to win the demand. While concluding and congratulating the
participants for the large turnout, Com. Secretary General said that a meeting
of the National Executive of the Confederation is scheduled to meet on the next
day. He added that National Executive will evaluate the developments of
the last few months and will decide upon the date of commencement of the
impending strike action. The Dharna programme which was commenced at 11.00 AM
was concluded at 3.00 PM, when Com. Parashar on behalf of the National
Secretariat. Thanked the participants and the Delhi State
Committee.
National Sectt. Meeting on 9.1.2014
The Secretariat Members who took part in the Dharna programme
met in an emergent meeting at 5.00 PM to finalise the proposal to be presented
to the extended meeting of the National Executive the next day. Com. Vyas
narrated the efforts undertaken by him and the President to interact with the
leaders of the AIRF and AIDEF to bring about a common approach both in the
matter of 7th CPC and other issues in the charter. When
the Staff Side of the National Council met to finalize draft terms of
reference, there had been few takers for the five year wage revision proposed
by the Confederation. He explained as to how the Confederation
representatives had to agree with a compromise formula for the date of effect
being 1.1.2014 (instead of 1.1.2011), with the clear understanding that the
question of periodicity of wage revision of Central Government Employees must
be a matter of contention before the 7th CPC. Despite the
overwhelming response from the Railway workers, (more than 90% is reported to
have voted in favour of strike in the strike ballot conducted by AIRF) Com.
Vyas said that the leaders of the Railway Federation have not indicated their
willingness to pursue the demands with a strike action. The Defence
Federation leaders have also indicated that it would be difficult for them to
pursue the issues with strike action, unless the same is organized under the
auspices of a joint platform of all Federations of Central Government
employees.
In the deliberations that followed the introductory remark of
Com. Vyas, the following points emerged:
(a) The
announcement of the setting up of 7th CPC by the UPA Government was to be
considered as a ploy to obtain electoral mileage;
(b)
The compulsion has been brought about by the Confederation through sustained
struggles including the one day (12.12.2012) strike action.
(c) The
need for organizing strike action before the commencement of the election
process
(d)
The leaders of the Confederation might make another attempt with the Railway
and Defense Federations before the National Executive meeting.
(e)
The possibility of inordinate delay in the setting up of the 7th CPC if
not done before elections notified
(f) Apprehension
was expressed by the participating comrades that the Government might go ahead
and issues the requisite notification without taking into account the view
points of the Staff Side contained in the draft terms of reference submitted.
The meeting, therefore, came to the conclusion that (a) the
strike action is the need of the hour and must be organized before the election
process commences; (b) the indefinite strike for which the Secretariat
had earlier taken decision must be attempted under the auspices of the joint
platform of all Central Government Employees organizations; (c) the
Secretary General might make a proposal for two days strike in the first
fortnight of the February for the consideration of the National Executive.(d) A
few comrades were of the view that in view of the paucity of time for campaign
etc, the proposed strike action might be in the last week of February; (e) fear
of the election code of conduct coming into operation immediately after the
Parliament session was also expressed by some comrades at the meeting.
The Secretariat authorized the Secretary General to present the
proposal for two days strike in the first fortnight of February 2014 to the
extended meeting of the National Executive.
Extended meeting of the National Executive and decisions -
10.1.2014
The extended meeting of the National Executive was held at MP
Club, North Avenue, New Delhi on 10.1.2014. In the inaugural address,
Com. S. K. Vyas, Advisor briefly placed the developments after the announcement
of the setting up of the 7th CPC by the Government. He
particularly referred to the electoral reverses of the UPA in the five State
Assembly elections held in November/December, 2013. He considered the electoral
reverses as an expression of anger of the common man against the policies
pursued by the UPA-II Government. He advised the members to take note of the
inescapable conclusion emanating from the election result that the common man
given an opportunity will throw out the perpetrators of injustice and anger
agony on them. According to him, whoever follows the neo liberal policies
are bound to be the victim of the ire of the working people.
He then narrated the course of discussions on the terms of
reference both at the Staff Side meeting as also at the official meeting
chaired by the Secretary Personnel. In his opinion, the Government may
not accept any of the suggestions made by the Staff Side unless it is backed up
by sustained struggles. The very announcement of the Pay Commission itself was
due to the compulsion brought about by the Confederation and its affiliates
through struggles. He reminded the comrades that the Government had
consistently refused to meet in the JCM at the National and Departmental
levels. The negotiating machinery has almost been closed down. He said
that whenever the meeting takes place, it was with a clear view to defer
decisions on the legitimate demands of the employees. He also explained
the efforts undertaken by the Confederation leaders to bring about a united
platform of all organizations participating in the JCM in the background of the
nugatory attitude of the Government and its failure. He added that in the
given circumstances, hoping for the emergence of a joint platform would be
a grave mistake and the Confederation as had been its historical approach, must
pursue the charter of demands, which include the setting up of the 7th CPC,
through a strike action.
Com. Secretary General presented the proposal emerged at the
meeting of the Secretariat a day before, i.e. on 9th and the
various viewpoints that came up for consideration at the meeting. While
presenting the proposal he asserted that the announcement of the 7th CPC
has come about only on account of the initiative taken by the Confederation. He
recalled how the Confederation leaders were ridiculed in 2011 when the demand
for the 7th CPC and five yearly wage revision was first
raised. He said that the common employees who are members of the
affiliates of the Confederation deserve congratulations for the magnificent
response to the call for the March to Parliament on 26th July, 2012
and the subsequent one day strike action on 12th December,
2012. He cautioned that the draft terms of reference prepared by the
Staff Side would remain in paper if the same is not pursued by militant
actions. He told the participating members that the Confederation should
not allow the setting up of the 7th CPC without a labour representative
and must ensure that its Chairman is not one who is obsessed with the neo
liberal economic reforms. He explained that the proposed struggle was not only
for wage revision, though that being an important issue, but also to ensure
that the neo liberal policies are not allowed to be pursued whoever comes to
power. He reminded the comrades that the 15 point charter of demands include
the important and significant issues like (a) withdrawal of the new
contributory pension scheme, (b) stoppage of contractorisation,
outsourcing, privatization etc, (c) regularization of daily rated workers and
GDS, (e) to bring the GDS within the ambit of the 7th CPC
treating them as Civil servants, (f) revival of appointments on compassionate
ground without conditions (g) filling up of vacant posts (h) functioning of the
negotiating machinery and above all (i) arresting the ever rising prices of
essential commodities. He requested the members to appreciate the
position explained and decide upon an inevitable strike action before the
election process is begun.
Thereafter the house deliberated upon the proposal placed on
behalf of the Secretariat. Several Comrades took part in the
discussions. The decision to go on strike was welcomed by one and all.
Some comrades forcefully pleaded that the Confederation must give a call for an
indefinite strike action. In the end, the house adopted a resolution
indicating the following course of action to pursue the 15 point charter of
demands. (Full Text of the resolution, the press statement issued after
the meeting, the details of the campaign programme at the National level will
be placed on the website within a day or two).
(i) Strike
will be of 48 hours (2 days) duration.
(ii) The
two days strike will commence on 12th February, 2014 at 00 hours and will be
concluded at 00 hours on 14th. i.e. Strike will be on 12th and
13th February 2014.
(iii) Strike notice
will be served by the Confederation on Cabinet Secretary; all affiliates on
their respective heads of Departments and copy of the same will be handed over
to the respective heads of offices on 21st January, 2014. Prior to the
serving of notice to the heads of offices, the unions will organize massive
demonstration with cent per cent participation of members in front of all
offices on 21.1.2014.
(iv)Nationwide campaign
will be organized covering all State Capitals and other important cities and
towns in January, 2014.
(v)State Committees will
organize state wise campaigning programme covering all District Head Quarters
in the first week of February 2014.
(vi)Hold Press
conferences; issue press statements and take steps to ensure media converge for
the ensuing strike action.
The resolution received unanimous approval of the house, which
was followed by thunderous slogan shouting.
Com. Secretary General then informed the house that the FNPO has
agreed to synchronize their strike action for two days on the same dates and
with the same charter of demands.
The house then took up the applications received from ARIES
Employees Confederation (ARYABHATTA RESEARCH INSTITUTE OF OBSERVATIONAL
SCIENCES) DEHRADUN and the DOT Employees Association of India, KOLKATA for
grant of affiliation. The house approved the proposal for the grant of
affiliation to the two organizations.
Com. President before declaring the closure of the session
requested the affiliates to take immediate steps to clear off the subscription
dues for; lack of finance should not hinder the functioning of the CHQ.
Com. Parashar on behalf of the Secretariat had welcome the participants in the
beginning. Com. R. Seethalakshmi, Convener, Women Committee of the
Confederation and the newly elected General Secretary of All India Postal
Employees Union, Postmen and MTS/Group ‘D’ proposed vote of thanks.
With
greetings,
Yours
fraternally,
(M.
Krishnan)
Secretary General
CHARTER
OF DEMANDS
1. Accept
the terms of reference of 7th CPC, submitted by the staff side,
National Council JCM.
(a) To
examine the existing structure of pay, allowances and other
benefits/facilities, retirement benefits like Pension, Gratuity, other terminal
benefits of various categories of Central Government Employees including Gramin
Dak Sevaks (GDS) of Postal Department.
(b) To work
out the comprehensive revised pay packet for the categories of Central
Government employees including GDS as on 1.1.2014.
(c) The
Commission shall determine the pay structure, benefits, facilities, retirement
benefits etc. taking into account the need to provide minimum wage with
reference to the recommendation of the 15th Indian Labour Conference
(1957) and the subsequent judicial pronouncement of the honorable Supreme Court
there-on, as on 1.1.2014.
(d) To
determine the Interim Relief needed to be sanctioned immediately to the Central
Government employees including GDS.
(e) To
determine the percentage of Dearness allowance/Dearness Relief immediately to
be merged with Pay and pension including GDS.
(f) To
settle the anomalies raised in various fora of JCM.
(g) To work
out the improvements needed to the existing retirement benefits, like
pension, death cum retirement gratuity, family pension and other terminal
or recurring benefits maintaining parity amongst past, present and future
pensioners and family pensioners including those who entered service on or
after 1.1.2004.
(h) To
recommend methods for providing cashless/hassle-free Medicare facilities to the
employees and Pensioners including Postal pensioners.
2. Ensure
every five year revision of wages of Central Government Employees in future.
3. (a)
Regularisation of Gramin Dak Sevaks of the Postal Department and grant of Civil
Servant status, statutory pension and all other benefits at par with regular
employees.
(b) Regularisation and revision of wages of casual and contract
workers.
4. Compassionate
appointment – removal of restrictions imposed by Government.
5. JCM and
Anomaly Committee Functioning.
6. Fill up
all vacant posts and creation of new posts wherever justified.
7. Stop
downsizing, outsourcing, contractorisation and privatization of Government
functions.
8. Stop
the move to introduce performance related Pay (PRP) system, Extend PLB Bonus
for all, removing bonus ceiling.
9. Revise
OTA and Night Duty Allowance rates and clothing rates.
10. Implement
arbitration awards.
11. Five
promotions to all.
12. Rescind
the PFRDA Act. Ensure statutory Pension for all.
13. Stop
price rise. Revive and extend public distribution system for all.
14. Stop
trade Union victimization.
15. Ensure Right to strike.
Saturday 11 January 2014
CADRE RESTRUCTURING
MEETING IS RESCHDULED FOR 4/2/2014 AT
DAKBHAWAN. EARLIER IT IS PROPOSED ON 9/1/14.
Friday 10 January 2014
NFPE
& FNPO
HAVE
DECIDED TO ORGANISE TWO DAYS NATION WIDE STRIKE ON
12th &
13th FEB 2014 DURING PARLIAMENT SESSION DEMANDING
1.
DA MERGER
2.
INTERIM RELIEF
3.
INCLUSION OF GDS UNDER 7th CPC
4.
CASUAL LABOUR WAGE REVISION AND REGULARISATION
5.
RESCIND PFRDA ACT
6.
DATE OF EFFECT OF 7th CPC – 01/01/2014 AS DEMANDED BY JCM STAFF
SIDE
*
PLUS OTHER DEMANDS
*
STRIKE NOTICE WILL BE SERVED ON 21st JAN 2014 TO
GOVT & DEPT OF POSTS
M.KRISHNAN
SECRETARY
GENERAL
NFPE
CONFEDERATION EXTENDED NATIONAL EXECUTIVE MEETING DECIDED TO
ORGANISE TWO DAYS STRIKE ON 12th & 13th FEBRUARY
2014
--- M.KRISHNAN
SECRETARY GENERAL
CONFEDERATION & NFPE
Thursday 9 January 2014