Introspection
The proposed indefinite strike from 13.7.2010 was deferred before its commencement after the talks we had with the Postal department resulting with some positive advancement. Really we had some improvements in some charter of demands and in certain areas there was a good result.
The Secretary’s assurance about no closure of any Post offices, Promise for no closure of any RMS sections or offices without any discussion with staff side even in the future and the declaration that there is no policy decision to outsource the services or privatize the postal service at present are really the milestone of negotiations and the maximum bargain we made during the talks. The foremost of results is the action to fill up all the vacant posts by issuing orders as well as through video conferences by the Secretary herself.
The constitution of a committee consisting three staff side members to discuss about the cadre restructuring in the department and finalization of the same before the end of the year 2010 is one of the major achievement we made by utilizing the negation forum. The issue of creation of a separate cadre as Systems Assistant with grade pay with Rs.4200 has been referred to cadre review committee. This is the first time; we could get in black & white about the problems of the existing Systems Administrators. The removal of application of benchmark in MACP will facilitate many aggrieved comrades in availing their due upgradation.
The assurance to hold the departmental council and periodical meetings immediately if carried out, with true spirit will certainly sort out many long pending issues and we could maintain industrial harmony unless it is disturbed with some erratic policy decisions. Separate meeting to discuss about the engagement of private consultants like Accenture, Mckensy and their suggestions etc will very much provide opportunities to discuss our views and protect the interest of the employees.
The continuous drawal of increment to erstwhile EDSPMs, the finalization of Multi task employees recruitment rules as per the existing Group D Recruitment rules providing no educational qualifications to the GDS for promotion, Consideration of norms for RPLI, NREGES work, immediate finalization of welfare schemes like social security, medical insurance etc to GDS are certain improvements . However there is no improvement in the demands like Bonus ceiling limit, reviewing the points for calculation of workload and other major demands of GDS.
The assurances to hold a separate meeting to address the problems of the Postmen before October 2010 and also to ensure not to furnish false and fabricated report in Project Arrow offices if implemented in true spirit , it will certainly a boon to the cadre and will sort out many of their issues through dialogue.
However we could find many organizational weaknesses during the preparation and organizing the workers for the struggle. In fact more than 80 percent branches have not carried out the calls given by the Postal JCA and our weakness and lethargy were exposed before the administration too. The Postcard campaign became a flap and the number does not cross even the three digits. Many branches have not prepared themselves for the massive action in the event of talks fails.
It is the time to assess our plus and also weakness dispassionately and come out of the present inactive position. We should not forget that unless by sustained struggles we could not achieve anything. It is the continuous process and struggles and sacrifices are inevitable for any workers' organizations. We should revamp our organizations by putting ourselves into self introspection and regain the past glory of dedication and sacrifice for the cause of postal workers.
Let us drive in this direction and let us prepare ourselves ready in the event of non holding the assurances and promises now made by the postal administration for a major programme of actions.
(Bhartiya Post Editorial August
2010)
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