As some writers have expressed so vocally in this column (Feb. 22), the two-day strike called for by some central unions was most inopportune considering the general economic woes the nation is facing. The demands put forth by the unions can never be possible in this country unless a fantastic growth rate of 8-9 per cent is ensured for not less than five years in a row. To really understand the gravity of the havoc this strike could lead the country to, some of the Central union leaders who were a part of those unions which sponsored the ill-advised strike should be made to take up the responsibility of managing and helping turnaround any sick public sector undertaking of their choice. And there are many!
P.R. Thiruvengadam,
Coimbatore
Keywords: general strike, trade union strike
The few readers’ expressions of opposition to the recent two-day agitation sponsored by all the trade unions in the country (Letters to the Editor, ‘48 precious hours’, The Hindu, Feb.22) can be borne only out of their personal frustration owing to the inconvenience caused to them as a result of the strike. The readers judiciously were highlighting the sufferings of the common man and the losses to the industry and the workers themselves. But, that does not make the strike irrelevant or failure. My friends will please look back into the history and find the rights of workers, then and now. For one example, the implementation of today’s 8-hour day working was preceded by frequent agitations starting from early 19th to mid-20th century in different countries. Every movement was termed a failure and caused sufferings to common man, inconveniences to individuals and losses to the nation. But it took long time to win the fight. To make another mention, the man-hours lost by the government of India sponsored Aadhar and NPR registrations are not calculated compared to their success.
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