MASS DHARNA ON 8 & 9 OF JANUARY 2019 IN SUPPORT OF GENERAL STRIKE

OPEN CIRCULAR TO ALL OFFICE BEARERS AND MEMBERS OF AIACEGEO

Dear friends and comrades,

        As most of us are aware, the community of Central Governments and employees of the Public Sectors are at a crucial point in their lives.

         The policies of the Government have been increasingly against the welfare of the Government employees and their families.

           After great struggles, our predecessors had got some guarantees in the form of JCM and other welfare measures as a welfare Government is expected to extend to its employees as a model employer.

           But after globalization and with the slogan that the Government was not in business to do business, in the name of not getting profit from each and every sector separately, without regard to THE element of their essentiality to the society, the Government has started withdrawing from one field after other and withdrawing one guarantee after another.

           CGHS facilities are facing threat.  There is severe financial crunch even for medical allowances and contingent funds during the last 3 to 4 months of every year. 

          The defined pension scheme has been withdrawn from 2004 and a variable pension in the name of New Pension Scheme has been introduced.  While this grossly discriminates against the new recruits, it is also a threat for the old pension scheme, in the near future. 

            Recruitment and promotions have been badly affected. 

          While economies are marching towards automatic wage revisions, the pay commission concept itself has become a matter of symbolism, with many of the anomalies of the 6^th CPC itself awaiting settlement.

           The mechanism of a Joint Consultative Machinery has become almost non functional.  Even in our own department, it is several years since the Departmental Council has met and consequently, we see that there is absolutely no administrative response in the CBIC and JCM does not function in many of the regions.  Even where meetings are held, minutes are not drawn properly and agreed points do not get executed as agreed.

        Hence, the two day strike proposed by the Confederation of CG Employees and workers, along several other trade unions across the country on 8^th and 9^th of January 2019 is expected to be a major land mark in the fight to retain at least some of the guarantees of employment.  The Charter of demands is given above.

          AICEIA has already served notice for strike for the said two days as per the Confederation call.

      Against the said backdrop, the Confederation of Central Gazetted Government Officers Organisations (CCGGOO) in its National Executive Committee Meeting held at Delhi on 17.12.2018 resolved as below:

“Confederation of Central Government Employees & Workers (CCGE&W) has decided to participate in two-days strike on 08th & 09 th January, 2019 adopting the resolution passed in the Convention of Central Trade Unions in support of 10 points Charter of Demands like scrapping of NPS, settlement of 7th CPC issues, implementation of 7th CPC wage revision in autonomous bodies, ensuring 5 compulsory promotions for all Gr. B & C employees, withdrawal of Rule 56(j) of CCS (Pension) Rules etc. The CCGE&W made an appeal to the CCGGOO for participating in two days strike action. The issue of participation in strike action is discussed in the National Executive Committee meeting on 17-12-2018. It is finally decided to request all the constituent organizations to organize ‘Mass Dharna’ on both the strike-days in support of the demands of the CCGE&W to extend our solidarity. The constituent organizations may also consider attending any nearby Dharna programmes organized by CCGE&W, wherever possible. “

        Accordingly, we are also to serve notice for mass dharna on 8^th and 9^th of January 2019.  The letter to be issued to the administration will be circulated by email (along with the Charter which will include our points also) to all unit Office bearers next week.  Similar letters may be handed over to the local administrations thereafter.

          All units are requested to mobilize support for this agitation and organize Dharnas in front of all Headquarters Offices.  If Dharna is being conducted in any other place under the aegis of CCGE&W, members may join those Dharnas as well, as per local convenience.

          All Units are requested to co-ordinate with other units of the CCGE&W as well as CCGGOO and conduct the programmes in the best possible manner.

          Demands may be given wide publicity in the media.

          Wishing the agitation all success.

With fraternal greetings,

(R. Manimohan)

Secretary General,

AIACEGEO