UFBU CIRCULAR NO. UFBU/2011/17 dt. 8-9-2011
National Convention of Workers calls for
All India Protest Actions on 8th November, 2011
Decides to prepare for All India General Strike
National Convention of Workers was organized by the Central Trade Unions and held in New Delhi on 07.09.2011. In addition to all the Central Trade Unions viz. BMS, INTUC, AITUC, HMS, CITU, AIUTUC, AICCTU, UTUC, TUCC, LPF, SEWA, independent trade union Federations from Banks, Insurance, Defence, Oil, Coal, Transport, Railway, State and Central Government, etc. participated in the convention. Representatives of UFBU constituents - AIBEA, NCBE, BEFI, INBEF, INBOC, NOBW were present in the Convention.
In the background of aggravated anti-people, and anti-worker policies of the Government, the convention came to the conclusion, that further countrywide struggles should be launched uniting all sections of workers.
The Convention decided to organize countrywide multiple action programmes such as Satyagraha / Jail Bharo / Mass Squatting, etc. on 8th November, 2011. The Convention also decided to prepare for an All India General Strike in the next phase.
Issues & Demands
Þ Concrete measures to contain price rise
Þ Concrete measures for linkage of employment protection with the concession / incentive package offered to the entrepreneurs
Þ Strict enforcement of all basic labour laws
Þ Universal security cover for the unorganized sector workers without any restriction and creation of a National Social Security Fund with adequate resources in line with the recommendation of NCEUS and Parliamentary Standing Committing on Labour
Þ Stoppage of disinvestment in Central and State Public Sector undertakings.
Þ No contractorisation of work of permanent / perennial nature and till then payment of wages and benefits to the contract workers at the same rate as available to the regular workers of the industry / establishment.
Þ Amendment of minimum Wages Act to ensure universal coverage irrespective of the Schedules and fixation of statutory minimum wage at not less than Rs. 10,000 per month with indexation.
Þ Removal of all ceilings on payment and eligibility of Bonus, Provident Fund; Increase in the quantum of Gratuity.
Þ Assured Pension for all
Þ Compulsory registration of trade unions within a period of 45 days and immediate ratification of ILO Conventions No. 87 and 98.
UFBU welcomes the decisions and demands of the Convention and expresses its solidarity. UFBU will shortly chalk out its support programmes in this regard.
With greetings,
Yours Comradely,
C H Venkatachalam
CONVENOR