People's Democracy

Cement Workers To Go On Indefinite Strike

MEETING at New Delhi on September 19, the national convention of cement workers has decided that if the Cement Manufacturers Association (CMA) does not start negotiations on the charter of demands submitted by the trade unions and concedes the demand for interim relief of Rs 1500 per month, the workers in cement industry will cease work on and from November 19. The convention was jointly organised by the INTUC, CITU, AITUC, HMS, BMS and some federations.

The last wage agreement expired on March 31, 2004, after being in operation for four years and a new wage agreement should have come into force from April 1, 2004. So, the said five central trade unions and the federations submitted, in good time, a notice for termination of the last agreement and a charter of demands for negotiation on a new wage structure and other matters. After some dilly-dallying as the trade unions were closely pursuing the matter, the CMA came out with a proposal for one year extension of the last agreement. But the trade unions rejected the proposal outright and reiterated the demand for immediate start of the negotiations and also for interim relief to the tune of Rs 1500 per month, with effect from April 1, 2004, pending the finalisation of a new wage structure. As there was no response from the CMA, the coordination committee of the trade unions decided to organise a national convention to voice protest against the CMA’s cynical attitude and to decide on the future course of action.

The convention was held in the auditorium of the Uttari Railway Majdoor Union, which was packed and overflowing. Several hundreds of workers from all over the country, representing all the five central trade unions and federations, attended the event. The proceedings of the convention were conducted by a presidium which included among others Kanai Banerjee and Dilip Majumdar (CITU), N Nanjappan (INTUC), H Mahadevan (AITUC), and R A Mittal and Ratanji (BMS). A draft declaration presented by Mahadevan and supported by several members of the presidium on behalf of their respective organizations, proposing an indefinite strike, was greeted with tumultuous applause. The guests who addressed the convention included INTUC president Sanjiva Reddy.

Sharply criticising the CMA for its recalcitrant attitude and exuding confidence in the ultimate success of the cement workers’ struggle, the speakers expressed determination never to allow their unity to be disrupted.

The declaration adopted by the convention gave a call for protest programmes which include the following.

1. Issuance of a strike notice centrally to the CMA on September 20, indicating the workers’ intention to go on an indefinite strike.

2. A signature campaign will run from October 10 to 20 among all cement workers over the country. Urging an early settlement of their demands charter, the memorandum will be posted on October 25 to the CMA, labour minister and minister for heavy industries and public sector enterprises.

3. On the same day, the unions will also give letters to the respective managements, enclosing the declaration of the all-India convention. Wherever more than one union is there, the letters will be given jointly by all.

4. Dharna by cement workers and their families on November 14 or 15, near their respective factories.

5. Commencement of an all-India strike on November 19.

A joint deputation met the labour minister at his residence in the evening, after the convention, and handed him over as copy of the declaration. He asked for further details to enable him to take an appropriate decision.

The strike notice, signed by representatives of all the five central trade unions, has since been served on the Cement Manufacturers Association.