Following the massive general strike of February 2012 and the successful March to Parliament on 20th December 2012, 11 Indian central Trade unions will organize in conformity with the jointly agreed Action plan, a 48h general strike, 20. and 21. February, which will bring the 2nd most populated country in the world to a total standstill.
In fact, despite the clearly expressed aspiration of the majority of the working people for a radical change of policy, the government persists in applying harsh right-wing, neo-liberal pro-capitalistic and pro-multinational economic and social policies to the detriment of the vast majority of the working people, of their democratic, economic and social rights.
Labour law violations are on increase and corporate businesses have been given free hand to suppress democratic and trade union rights including the basic right of forming a trade union. The replacement of regular labour with permanent job contracts has become a common practice with the support of the government.
Faced with the onslaught of the ruling class, Indian workers and their trade unions have put forward their common demands:
Concrete measures to contain price rise
Generation and protection of employment
Strict enforcement of all basic labour laws with no exception or exemption and stringent punishment for violation of labour laws.
Stoppage of disinvestment in Central and State public sectors
No contractorization of work of permanent / perennial nature and payment of wages and benefits to contract workers at the same rate as available to the regular workers of the industry / establishment.
Amendment of Minimum Wages Act to ensure universal coverage irrespective of schedules and fixation of statutory minimum wages at not less than Rs. 10000.00 per month.
Removal of ceilings on payment and eligibility of bonus, creation of provident fund, and increase the quantum of gratuity.
Assured pension for all
Compulsory registration of Trade Unions within a period of 45 days and immediate ratification of ILO Conventions 87 and 98.
The Trades Union International of Building, Wood and Building Materials Workers UITBB affiliated with the World Federation of Trade Unions expresses on behalf of millions of workers of our industries around the world full support for the demands of Indian workers and militant solidarity with the Indian Trade Unions and working class, in particular the building and construction workers in their just struggle for their inalienable economic, social and democratic rights.
The Indian working class is setting an example for unions and workers in the region and around the world: Unity in action can be achieved on the basis of a principled working class position. It paves the way for further action and new united struggles against capitalist exploitation.
The UITBB wishes you all success in your class oriented struggle and salute the Indian working people with the slogan:
Long live workers internationalist solidarity!
Long live the working class and the people of India!
