Hardly had we got over Hardik Patel’s rally rushes that we got to hear that there has been a call raised for a Nation-wide strike by the trade unions. About 10 trade unions amounting to 15 crore workers, are miffed at the BJP’s proposed alterations in labor laws, and have decided to go on a one-day protest on Wednesday. The essential services like public transport and banking have effected people country wide and the harassed lot lies in waiting for the things to improve between the Government and Trade Unions.
Public transport, insurance and banking services have been essentially affected by the nation wide band called by 10 Central trade unions, over the changes proposed in labor laws laid down by the Government. Almost 15 crore workers employed in the private and public sector, are involved in this nation-wide strike called for a day. Many people who are employed in the informal sector are also part of this bandh. These people have paid no heed to the Government’s appeal to stop the agitation and have ignored the plea outright.
Insisting that the impact of the strike will be negligible, Labour Minister Bandaru Dattatreya, stated “I don’t think essential services will be affected by the strike. I feel that the impact will not be much. I appeal them to call off strike in the interest of workers and nation.” Union leaders though have confirmed that essential services like gas, oil, power, banking, and transport will stay effected for sure. What about the closed educational institutions, fall in selected train connections and closed shops? Can anyone help here?
The Employees of nationalized banks, Reserve Bank of India (RBI), cooperative banks, old private sector banks and regional rural banks are all taking part in the strike. Having the backing of BJP, The Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh or BMS has confirmed that oil, gas and power supplies will stay as they are and public sector workers employed in these fields will not be a part of this strike.
The National Front of Trade Unions or NFITU is not a part of the strike and the Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS) also backed out because it wanted to give the Government time to contemplate over the happenings. It is assured by Virjesh Upadhyay , the General Secretary of BMS that “a large number of public sector undertakings who are members of central trade unions are not going on strike on Wednesday. Thus, the services like power, oil and gas supply will not be affected. Big PSUs like NTPC, NHPC and Power Grid will not observe strike. Therefore, the power supply will not be affected”.
Keeping mum on the other unions which maintained a neutral stance, Mr Dattatreya also confirmed two names “The BMS and NFITU are not in the strike. Besides, there are 2-4 organizations (unions) which are neutral.” He also stated that he did not want “any confrontation with trade unions. The workers’ rights and interests are supreme to us. We will continue talks with trade unions even after tomorrow’s strike.”
About 12 central trade unions had handed over a 12 point demand list and had confirmed they were unhappy with the projected changes in the labor laws. They also raised disinvestment issues and wanted decisions regarding privatization of PSUs. The talks with the senior ministers went waste, and disgruntled at the lack of fruitful talks regarding demands, prompted 10 trade unions to call for the bandh.
Till we get some definite news on this front the reports are speculating that the winter session of the Parliament may bring some good news for the trade unions.
