People's Democracy

 SWFI Holds Sixth Conference In Birthplace

 Ardhendu Dakshi

FOUNDED at Durgapur in 1982 and affiliated to the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU), the Steel Workers' Federation of India (SWFI) held its sixth conference once again in the same Durgapur city on August 16 and 17. The conference was held with great enthusiasm in Deshbandhu Community Centre where more than 300 delegates attended from different steel plants, allied units, iron ore mines, lime stone mines, offices, marketing organisations and contract workers’ organisations.

Having hoisted the SWFI’s red flag, its president M K Pandhe placed a wreath on the martyrs column, following which senior comrades, office bearers and representatives from different units paid homage to the martyrs. Leaders of other mass organisations in Burdwan district and also Sunil Khan, Lok Sabha member from Durgapur, placed wreaths on the martyrs column.

The SWFI president, working president and vice presidents formed the presidium for the conference while SWFI general secretary and secretaries constituted the steering committee. Sisir Banerjee, chairman of the reception committee, welcomed the delegates, followed by adoption of a condolence resolution.

In his presidential speech, Pandhe elaborated the national and international situations and also outlined the nature and reasons of the economic crisis that has gripped the country. He urged upon the steel workers to rise to the occasion and build up a strong organisation.

SWFI general secretary P K Das submitted his report, giving elaborate details about the present economic situation, the attacks on the people and steel workers, the rise of communalism, and the mad drive for privatisation and disinvestment by the government of India. Das’s analysis pointed out the strengths and weaknesses of the SWFI organisation and laid down ten tasks before the leadership in order to make the SWFI a stronger organisation ready to face future challenges. P K Chakraborty, treasurer, placed the accounts for consideration by the delegates.

Addressing the delegates, Chittabrata Mazumdar, general secretary of the CITU’s West Bengal state committee, outlined the need for stronger bonds with other classes in order to fight the impending economic disaster.

As many as 43 delegates took part in the discussion, narrating their own experiences in their respective areas. They informed about the CITU’s and SWFI’s growing influence in some areas as other unions are disintegrating owing to their internal problems and ideological bankruptcy.

The conference unanimously adopted 5 important resolutions: 1) against unemployment and the tasks of trade unions; 2) against communalism; 3) Against the WTO agreement and in defence of national sovereignty; 4) against the ban on right to strike; and 5) on the future of the movement in steel industry.

The last mentioned resolution called upon steel workers to launch a bigger struggle to set right the wrongs done to them in the last wage agreement and also to revive the bipartite forums for discussing common problems. It asked them to prepare for a strike if no solution is available through negotiations.

P K Das summed up the discussion, thanked the delegates for their valuable suggestions, and reiterated the ten tasks to be fulfilled by the federation. He announced that a permanent school for leaders and cadres would be opened soon, for which a building has been acquired and is being refurnished.

M K Pandhe observed that there was never such an opportune moment before us to grow when other unions are crashing out. We must work hard to unite the workers and lead them on the path of struggle. He explained why China is progressing so fast and India is lagging behind. He emphasised the need of steel workers joining hands with coal workers so as to make a formidable force, strong enough to force a change in government policies. He reminded the delegates of the urgent task of fighting the communal and divisive forces in order to build up strong unity of workers on the path of class struggle.

The conference elected a new working committee with 104 members, where old veterans and new faces present a pleasant mix. A 24-member team of office bearers was formed with Ardhendu Dakshi as president, P K Das as general secretary and P K Chakraborty as treasurer. M K Pandhe stepped down on account of his pressing jobs elsewhere, but agreed to remain one of the vice presidents.

The open session was held in the hall itself, with extended makeshift sheds outside because of rainy season. M K Pandhe, Jibon Roy and Ardhendu Dakshi addressed the open session which was attended by steel workers as well as other sections of the people from all over Durgapur.