From Kayveeyes Desk
1946 – 24 Days
Glorious Strike in the Postal
The
three weeks postal strike in July 1946 is one of the most significant
events in the history of labour movements in India, particularly among Central
Government employees. The strike started from 11th July 1946 and
continued up to 3.8.1946 for 24 days. It
was a landmark event that set the tone for future struggles by postal workers
and other government employees, leading to improvements in wages, working
conditions, and recognition of workers' rights in independent India. We can
proudly say that it is a part of freedom struggle and paved way to the freedom
of our nation.
Background:
In
the mid-1940s, postal employees, like many other government workers, were
grappling with low wages, poor working conditions, and the rising cost of
living. India was on the cusp of gaining independence, and economic conditions
were unstable, further aggravated by the effects of World War II. Despite their
critical role in maintaining communication across the country, postal workers
faced stagnant wages and long hours, with no significant benefits or allowances
to offset inflation.
The
Strike of 1946:
The
1946 postal strike, organized by the All India Postman & Lower Grade
Staff Union under the leadership of Com V.G.Dalvi, lasted for 24 days, from
July 11 to August 3, 1946. It was the first major industrial action by
government employees in pre-independence India and gained nationwide attention.
The strike was notable for its scale and the coordination among postal workers
across the country. Over 150,000 postal employees participated, paralyzing the
postal services.
The
12-point demands of the striking postal employees in brief are
1. Revision of pay to
all the P&T officials.
2. Existing Leave
Rules should be abolished and restore the pre 1931 orders.
3. Remove the
discrimination in Leave & pension rules between the supervisors and lower
grade servants.
4. Officials acted in
higher grade for one year should be confirmed.
5. Reservation in PA
Examination – It should be increased from 20% to 50%.
6. Retrenched
officials be reinstated.
7. Parity in
holidays. P&T holiday should also be like other CG establishments.
8. OTA for the duties
performed on Sunday & holidays.
9. Gratuity at the
rate of one months pay for one year service for the family of the deceased
employees while in service.
10. All discrimination
in Pay, leave, DA & other allowances between A,B & C areas be abolished
and all areas should be treated as A.
11. Medical
examination for promotion should be abolished.
12. Adequate Leave
reserve should be provided; temporary service should be counted for pension.
Unfortunately,
AI PO & RMS union did not give strike notice. But the strike was successful
in metro cities like Kolkata, Bombay and Madras and there was public sympathy
and support for the strike.
Government
Response:
The
British colonial administration was initially reluctant to meet the demands of
the striking employees. The strike caused widespread disruption in
communication services, prompting a national outcry. There was total sympathy
towards striking employees. While the government initially responded by
threatening punitive action, including mass dismissals, arrests, and
disciplinary measures, the strike gained significant public sympathy and
political support, especially from leaders of the trade unions, who saw it as
part of the broader freedom movement.
Resolution
and Impact:
At
last, the government conceded to all the 12 workers’ demands:
- Wage
Revisions: The government agreed to initiate the process of revising pay
scales for postal workers, with an increase in wages to more adequately
reflect the cost of living. The first Pay Commission was the major
offshoot of the strike.
- Pension: It was accepted to grant pension for
lower grade employees.
- Departmental
promotion – 50% reservation for postmen in PA Examination accepted. (Now this has been snatched and
modified as 40%. No serious protest)
- Good
conduct Pay - Rs. 5 to all the employees including the ED officials.
- Leave
rules - Modified
Legacy
of the 1946 Postal Strike:
The
success of the 1946 postal strike had far-reaching implications for labour
movements in India. It not only resulted in improved wages and working
conditions for postal employees but also inspired other government workers to
organize and push for their rights. The strike highlighted the need for
government employees to be treated fairly, and it also set a precedent for
future labour actions, including those by railway workers, teachers, and other
Central Government employees.
The
postal strike also demonstrated the power of collective bargaining and brought
national attention to the poor working conditions of government employees. It
contributed to the growing recognition of trade unions in India and paved the
way for more organized labour movements after independence.
Post-Independence
Developments:
After
India gained independence in 1947, several pay commissions were established to
review and revise wages periodically. The First Pay Commission (1946),
constituted immediately after the strike, was influenced by the demands of
postal workers and other employees, and it recommended wage hikes and the
introduction of dearness allowance.
The 1946 strike remains a landmark event, not only for postal employees but for labour movements in India as a whole. Let us continue further…..
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