DELHI

Protesting Attack on Right to Strike

ON August 8, hundreds of CPI(M) activists in Delhi held a demonstration in front of the Supreme Court and courted arrest to protest against the latter’s order depriving the workers and employees of their right to strike. The demonstrators were addressed by AIDWA general secretary Brinda Karat, CPI(M) Delhi state secretary PMS Grewal, All India Lawyers’ Union general secretary Hardev Singh, Delhi CITU general secretary Mohan Lal and its president S B Bharadwaj.

The speakers condemned the judgement as an act of judicial authoritarianism that subverts democratic and trade union rights provided by the constitution. It also strengthens the arbitrary powers of the state against citizens. Further, it provides strength to the general trend to curtail the democratic rights of the working people in various ways. These include draconian legislations like the POTA and ESMA etc, and the moves to change the labour laws in a manner inimical to the interests of the working class.

The speakers took strong objection to the judgement’s unwarranted, negative comments on political parties and trade unions that seek to organise the people against socio-economic oppression. The demonstration concluded with a resolve to fight against all attacks on the people’s democratic and trade union rights.

The protestors courted arrest after the demonstration. They were taken to the Tilak Marg police station from where they were later released.

BIHAR RALLY

AT the call of the Coordination Committee of Unions & Associations, a procession was take out from LIC premises in Patna on August 7, in support of the Tamilnadu employees and against the Supreme Court verdict banning the strike. After crossing the Dak Banglow Road and Frazer Road, the procession reached Patna railway station golambar where a rally was held.

The rally was presided over by Coordination Committee convenor Sachchida Nand Sinha and addressed by various leaders who expressed concern over the Supreme Court verdict. They said the workers have achieved the right to strike after prolonged struggles and innumerable sacrifices, and would continue the battle against this verdict so as to defend their rights. (INN)