The Hindu : Striking at will

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, May 26, 2003

Opinion

Opinion - Letters to the Editor

Striking at will

Sir, — This has reference to the Editorial, "Inconveniencing the public" ( May 23 ). Organising general strikes to protest privatisation moves and the "anti-labour" policies of the party in power have become a routine for the central trade unions. And the parties not in power consider it their bounden duty to encourage and aid the striking workforce. Workers enjoying such support overestimate their might and remain stubborn till the end, while the Government hardens its stand, irked by the embarrassment caused to it by the interference of the Opposition parties. In the process, false prestige becomes the predominant factor for both the sides and real issues remain unresolved.

K.D. Viswanaathan,
Coimbatore, T.N.

Sir, — When the Government is driven to spend almost the entire revenue to feed only its employees, it cannot keep mum without thinking of remedial measures. While the lowest grade employee in India can be dismissed only by a Supreme Court order, a researcher can be sent out with 15 days salary and no prior notice in the U.S.

R. Ganesan,
Chennai

Sir, — The unions keep calling for strikes regardless of the displeasure and opposition of the common man, and when all possible trouble has been endured by the public, they withdraw their strike due to either threats from the Government or internal pressures. They impose the strikes, not on the intended party for the expected returns, but on the hapless public, victimising them.

Jeyshree Jayaraman,
Coimbatore, T.N.

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