Union government employees, including workers of Indian Railways, India Post and defence factories, will go on an indefinite strike from July 11 demanding including their suggestions in the Seventh Pay Commission recommendations, among others.
The workers have demanded a minimum wage of Rs. 26,000 a month instead of the proposed Rs. 17,000.
The strike notice was served on June 9 under the provisions of Industrial Disputes Act, 1947. Thirteen lakh railway employees will launch the strike at 6 a.m. on July 11 under the National Joint Council of Action, said a statement issued by National Federation of Indian Railwaymen (NFIR).
A “massive demonstration” was organised in front of Parliament on June 24 in this connection.
“Two of the most significant issues that have triggered the strike action are the inordinate delay in taking decisions on the pay commission recommendations and the refusal of the government to bring back the old statutory defined benefit scheme of pension to all employees in place of the contributory pension scheme, Shiv Gopal Mishra, convener of the council, said in another statement.
No positive attitudeThe employee representatives said the government “has not shown any positive attitude” to address its charter of demands that included filling vacant posts, no foreign direct investment in railways and defence and no privatisation. They have opposed the labour law amendments. Another demand is to grant one rank, one pension to railway employees too.
“The Seventh pay commission recommendations are totally against the expectations of employees and the government has not taken a serious view on modifying the recommendations so far,” NFIR press secretary SN Malik said.
