WORKING  CLASS  AND  POSTAL  EMPLOYEES  OF  WEST  BENGAL  HELD  THE  FLAG  OF  STRIKE  HIGH : SERIES  OF  THREATS  AND ATTACKS  : CONDEMN  THROUGH  DEMONSTRATION  ON  2nd/3rd  MARCH  IN  ALL  DIVISIONS 

            

           The working class including our employees has entered a new era of struggle against the anti-people policies of Central Govt. through unique success in 28^th Feb,2012- strike. In West Bengal the State Govt and the Administration practically took drastic stand against the strike and measures to break strike by any means. Being encouraged the main ruling political forces also induced anarchism throughout the state. But the fact is that in spite of severe threats and mental pressure, the success of to-day’s strike is unprecedented.

            In our jurisdiction, truly speaking we are proud of our employees. We are really happy to convey our comradely greetings and Red Salute to the postal employees. It is mainly our brave comrades, organizers working in different branches/divisions in an alarming state of affairs and our general employees irrespective of unions took part in strike and made it a grand success. As per the official communiqué, 90% of the employees including GDS in out Circle  participated in strike directly. Com M Krishnan, our beloved Secretary General has also conveyed his congratulations and red salute to us.

          It is our experience that for last 4/5 days the ruling political force has been threatening the employees in work-spots and residences to open the Post Offices on 28-2-2012. In the last 30 to 35 years it is new phenomenon that the ruling party has perpetrated hooliganism against the Govt officials who supported the strike. Midnapore H.O., Siliguri H.O., Baruipur H.O., Chinsura H.O., Arambag H.O., Contai H.O., Malda H.O., Burdwan H.O., Purulia H.O. etc. are such examples where the concerned Postmasters were compelled to open the Post Offices under the pressure and threats. But even in these offices almost all the officials refused to attend the office and firmly took part in strike.

Role of Police :

      We are surprised to note that in case of Moynaguri S.O. under Jalpaiguri Dn, the Police behaved as like as ruling political forces. At the dictate of that force, the police rushed to the residence of striking Postmaster, picked him up and paved him to open the office . Here also the employees remained absent from office taking part in strike. Now the serious question is that whether the Police can act in such a manner as they did in Moynaguri. Obviously not. So what will be the future of law and order situation in our state ,we can easily guess. Almost same are the experiences we gathered in PSD Kolkata, Durgapur H.O., Belghoria H.O., Chakdah S.O., Nalikul S.O., Tarakeswar S.O., Mohanpur B.O. ( Contai Dn).

Political Hooliganism 1 :

           In Belghoria H.O. , when the Postmaster was attacked , Com Rina Saha our beloved leader came hurriedly from her house to rescue the Postmaster. We are shocked to mention that she was also attacked and hackled by the miscreants. Finally the office was opened , but neither Com Rina Saha nor concerned Postmaster deviated from their stand and took part in the strike. May be the restraint of Com Rina Saha has been hurt, but her unique role is encouraging to all of us.

Political Hooliganism 2 :

            In Tamluk Divn , 50/60 miscreants rushed to the residence of Com Jitendranath Hatai, President of P-III, Tamluk (NFPE). But at that time he was not available in his house, but other members including his wife and two daughters were available. Without caring the female members those miscreants broke the house of Com Hatai to take revenge only because Com Hatai took part in strike. Red salute to Com Hatai that even after this torture on him or his family , he refused to open Tamluk H.O. and finally, Tamluk H.O. was not opened. Same pressure was also to open Srirampore H.O., but it is our comrades and employees who did not bend down under tremendous pressure and finally kept Srirampore H.O. closed.

Circle Office :

          Yogayog Bhawan, our circle head quarters was opened , but except a few higher level officers, the staff of Yogayog Bhawan did not turn up and took part in strike spontaneously.

MMS/RMS/DPLI/PAO :

           In MMS/RMS, DPLI and Postal Accounts also most of the employees participated in the strike ignoring the threats.

Brave Comrades in far-flung areas :

           In Sikkim Division also, the strike was almost 100%.

The Assessment

           The alarming incidents we have faced today exposed the anti-working class as well as anti-democratic attitude of the ruling political forces in West Bengal. There are sufficient reasons to apprehend that this will be intensified. We, the working class have to prepare ourselves to fight against any kind of draconian attack.

            In respect of all India scenario we have received so far, the strike of the whole working class is a great success and the role postal employees have played to participate in the strike is historic one .We convey our heartiest greetings to Federations and JCA and to the general employees.

The Program in Condemnation :

           Protest against the above mentioned incidents in WB Circle. Hold massive demonstration (DHIKKAR SABHA) at recess hours on 01-03-2012 or 2-3-2012 at every work spots and send savingram to CPMG, Respective PMG and Head of the Divn.

Text of the Savingram

“APPROPRIATE STEPS TO TAKE ACTION AGAINST THE POLITICAL HOOLIGANISM FACED BY THE POSTAL EMPLOYEES IN CONNECTION WITH 28^th FEBRUARY 2012 STRIKE CALLED BY JCA AAA ALL CROSS SECTION OF THE POSTAL EMPLOYEES ARE VERY MUCH AGGRIEVED AAA ALSO DEMAND PREVENTIVE MEASURES.”

(President of the meeting)

NB: Divl Secretaries are requested to take the programme seriously and also requested to send a detailed report in respect of 28^th Strike to the each circle union within short period. All Divl/Br Secys are requested to bring these incidents to the notice of general members.

28th  STRIKE ----- FINAL  WORDS  IN  PREPARATION

      

        As today is the day for final preparation for the strike, comrades are requested to please take a serious note of the following points.

• Staff gathering and slogan shouting at prominent offices with appropriate deliberation regarding the need and demands of the strike, and its direction towards the welfare of the common people.
• Administration have some routine tasks for restricting the strike from materialising, which they will naturally exercise. But the present perspective in West Bengal have some additional elements to enthuse the opposing forces of this historic protest program of Indian Working Class. Our comrades are advised to keep their cool in any state of provoking situation, by administration or outsiders.
• The Circle Unions will function from Circle Union Office round-the-clock from 27th afternoon. All comrades are free to contact at any moment of need (with information to Divl Secretaries first).
• The Divl/Branch Secretaries will please keep close contact in their divisions/units and with circle union. They must have to report their situation to Circle Union at 1 P.M. and 4 P.M.
• For handing over of keys and in reply to queries, if any, from the part of administration, allowing officers to respective headquarters etc, the guideline issued few days back by the Circle Unions (on the eve of indefinite strike in January 2012) are to be followed. Please contact your secretary before giving any written submission/deposition/statement.
• Please remember we are holding this strike to ensure our security, financial and social; for our bread, for our families and siblings; for protecting our rights we have earned through sacrifices. Compromise means inviting insecurity and slavery, which the Rulers want. We have to be courageous and brave to face the situation, but wise and tactical to handle it as well. Your mighty organisation is always with you, so if any trouble comes up, think twice before you decide, consult the leadership, and go ahead with confidence. Postal movement is backed by the experiences and sacrifices of generations since the British Rules, we are not in a shallow trap to surrender. We inherit struggle and dignity.
• Please remember the words of Comrade Jyoti Basu, which he used to spell repeatedly during his final few years ---- 'People are the makers of history.' Comrades, we may not be feeling now, but this strike is indeed a history in making. Let us contribute our bit into it.  

28th FEBRUARY STRIKE : OUR COUNTRY NEEDS OUR ROLE 

 The clarion call of the strike on 28th February called by all Central Trade Unions and having the decision of participation by the Central Postal JCA is knocking at the door now. We all know that with the main 10-points charter of demand, the Confederation has included the issues of Central Govt employees. Our JCA has made us proud by serving independent strike notice to the department. A milestone in the India Trade Union Movement is going to be set up.

       When massive propaganda and campaign program have reached  the peak, at many places in our circle, we are informed that local political elements have threatened our comrades to keep offices open on 28th, although those political parties have no jurisdiction or any relevance to hold opinion or dictate on a strike by Postal employees. It is simply their political agendum and vendetta. By this, they are making clear on whose side they belong to. When they are opposing and threatening us, they are also opposing the demand of price control. When they are opposing the strike, they also oppose the demand to implement Labour Law at all working sectors. When they oppose our strike, they support the policy of Central Govt to withdraw the security of pension, they are supporting privatisation and outsourcing.That is why they have come down to the street to make the strike unsuccessful. It is their class angle, only a plea of 'public suffering due to strikes' are being pronounced. People are suffering much more due to price rise, non-employment, torture of the employers. They are not talking a word about the issues brought in light by the Central Trade Unions and our Confederation.

     Furthermore, some groups and persons belonging to another service union (not NFPE) is declaring through circulars and bulletins their abstinence from strike in West Bengal Circle, despite their All India Committee being a part of the Central Postal JCA. This is an instance of indiscipline and dishonour to the call of JCA, their CHQ and Circle committees, and weakening the call of JCA due to political slavery. We have to remain aware and conscious against these propagandists. We know their compulsion. Postal employees will adjudge their treacherous role against the interest of our brotherhood of working people and the nation.

      All these have intensified our responsibility and need for courageous discharge of duty of making the strike a historic success in West Bengal Circle. No question of surrendering before threats. The NFPE Group of Unions in West Bengal Circle appeals to all Postal Workers to unite and fight for the issues to save our bread and family. All comrades reading this appeal please convey our call to all of our colleagues. Let the unity of the working class in India be the winner.        

SEMINAR  &  STUDY  CAMP ON  RULING & DISCIPLINARY PROCEEDINGS  ON  10-11th MARCH  2012 AT  KOLKATA GPO 

 As decided by the Kalyani Circle Conference and communicated in the Circle Zonal Meetings on 12th February 2012, West Bengal Postal Circle Unions, NFPE, is holding a Seminar and an Extended Circle Working Committee to discuss Disciplinary Proceedings and Departmental Rulings on 10th & 11th March 2012 at Kolkata GPO. Smt. Sharda Sampath, PMG, Kolkata Region, has kindly consented to deliver the topic of the seminar on 10th March. Com. K.V.Sridharan, General Secretary, Group-C and Com. I.S.Dabas, General Secretary, Postmen & Group-D/MSE will be present and speak on the subjects of the Study Camp.

     The subjects to be covered in the study camp are:

1. How To Present Cases Before Administration Citing Rules : Developing Leadership ---- by Com. K.V.Sridharan.
2. Disciplinary Proceedings: Role of Defence Assistant & Preparation of Defence ---- by Com. R.L.Bhattacharya & Com. Shib Sankar Roy.
3. Right To Information Act 2005 :  A Tool For Trade Unionists ---- by Com. Gouranga Deb Maity.
4. Contributory Negligence: Punishment of Recovery ---- by Com. K.V.Sridharan.
5. Ruling Position and Norms Covering Delivery System by Postmen, Duties of Overseers and Group-D ---- by Com. I.S.Dabas.
6. GDS Engagement Rules ---- by Com. Gouranga Deb Maity.

     Please note the following points:

1. The notice with details of program mentioning time schedule will be released shortly and sent to the Divl Secretaries.
2. All Divl Secretaries will be delegates (P-III, P-IV and ED). They will ensure presence by availing Special CL.
3. The program will start sharp at 10:00 A.M. on 10th. There will be night session, so, every participant will require to stay during night. We shall be having limited time to cover all these items. So, the schedule will be stringent and there will be no scope for leaving the venue before 4:30 P.M. on 11th. 
4. Circle Union will supply study material (a compilation of essential rulings and references), sets of questionnaires on CCS (CCA) Rules and day to day problems which Divl Secretaries use to face.
5. Groups will be formed among the divisions and each division will be given one subject to discuss among themselves. The Group Leader will present their discussion on the dais on 11th morning. The Groups will be decided by the Circle Union and subjects will be communicated in advance.
6. There will be huge scope for interactive sessions for clearing doubts and confusions. So, comrades are requested to come with preparations.
7. Apart from secretaries, few comrades will be invited who are willing to work in the Circle Union Defence Cell. Divl Secretaries may intimate names of such interested comrades in advance. 

     ALL COMRADES ARE REQUESTED TO PLEASE BOOK THEIR JOURNEY TICKETS, IF NOT ALREADY BOOKED. FOR ANY QUERY, COMs. JANARDAN MAJUMDAR, ASIT BANGABAS OR BIJAN CHAKRABORTY MAY BE CONTACTED WITH.   

  

FIRST  STATE  CONFERENCE  OF  SMALL  SAVINGS  AGENTS  UNION,  WEST  BENGAL,  HELD  IN  KOLKATA 

     The unity of the Small Savings Agents in West Bengal has crossed a milestone on 15th February 2012, with their 1st State Conference at Moulali Yuva Kendra, Kolkata. Their effort to get united was on since 2003, but the latest attack of the Central Government unleashed on them and also on the investors have triggered the solidarity. After successful completion of District level conferences in last two/three months, the State Conference was organised. Our organisers were closely associated with them since beginning. Com. Tapan Dasgupta, President, CGCC, inaugurated the conference. Com. Basudeb Acharya, Hon'ble MP, Lok Sabha, was the main speaker. Com. Shib Sankar Roy, Joint Convener, 12th July Committee and our veteran leader and teacher, Com. Janardan Majumdar, Circle Secretary and Com. Asit Bangabas, Asstt. Circle Secretary were also present and deliberated.

       The conference was presided by Sri Tushar Kanti Roy, Tamal Chakraborty, Kalachand Raut, Chandrasekhar Chattopadhyay and Smt. Rita Bose. A state committee was elected from the conference with Sri Sukharanjan Dasgupta as President, Sri Tusharkanti Roy as Working President, Sri Nupur Dey Das as General Secretary and Sri Chandrasekhar Chattopadhyay as the treasure.

        THE CONFERENCE HAS UNANIMOUSLY DECIDED TO PARTICIPATE IN THE STRIKE ON 28th FEBRUARY 2012 AND ALSO IN THE RALLY IN KOLKATA CITY IN SUPPORT OF THE STRIKE ON 23rd FEBRUARY 2012.  

          West Bengal Circle NFPE Group of Unions heartily congratulates the newly-formed SMALL SAVINGS AGENTS UNION, WEST BENGAL, and welcomes them in our joint movements. 

SOUTH  KOLKATA  DIVISION  HOLDS  MEETING  ON  28th FEB  STRIKE 

     South Kolkata Divisional Unions held a general meeting of our members at S.B.Road P.O. on 15th Feb to campaign the demands and issues of the strike called by all Central Trade Unions on 28th February 2012. Confederation has already called to participate in it and the Central Postal JCA has also served strike notice to DG(Posts) on 10th.

    More than 150 members were present in the meeting, with about 40 women comrades. Com. Tapan Dasgupta, President, CGCC was the main speaker. Com. Janardan Majumdar, Com. Somnath Goswami were also present.  

CIRCLE  ZONAL  MEETING  FOR  3  ZONES HELD  ON  10th 

   On 10th February 2012, Circle Zonal Committee meetings for Kolkata, Presidency and North Bengal & Sikkim zones were arranged. Kolkata zonal committee meeting was held at Beadon Strret P.O. Com. Uttam Pal from Group-C and Com. Sanatan Das from P-IV have been selected as zonal conveners. 

  The Presidency zonal committee meeting was held at Barasat. Com. Annwesha Biswas has been selected as zonal convener from Group-C.

   North Bengal zonal committee meeting was held at Coochbehar. The participation was remarkable. from Circle Union, Com. Janardan Majumdar, Com. Nanda Sen and Com. Pranab Bhattacharya were present. Com. Dipak Pal Majumdar and Com. Saifuddin Ahmed have been selected as zonal conveners for P-III & P-IV respectively.

    Along with the discussion on staff problems and organisational issues, the preparation for the strike on 28th February 2012 remained a main subject in all zones. 

PURI  WORKSHOP : A  MILESTONE  IN  POSTAL TRADE  UNION  MOVEMENT.
WEST  BENGAL  WORKSHOP  ON 10-11 MARCH 2012  TO  FOLLOW

   The Workshop arranged by Group-C (CHQ) on Disciplinary Proceedings, Departmental Rulings, Right to Information Act 2005 and History of Postal Trade Union Movement has been successfully completed at Hotel Sonali on Puri Sea Beach (Swargadwar) on 4th & 5th February 2012.

    DAY 1

      The program started on 4th at 10:30 AM with hoisting of National Flag and Red Flag of NFPE, followed by lamp lighting and garlanding leaders and guests. 
 





Com. K.Raghavendran, former Secretary General, NFPE, inaugurated the workshop with the beginning topic --- 'Leadership Qualities & Role of P3 in Building Joint Movement'. The house was mesmerised by his oration reflecting classic Trade Union philosophy, class consciousness and references to real-life incidents of today's world.

  Com. M.R.Meenakshisundaram, retired supervisor, Chennai GPO and prominent Defence Assistant, was the next to deliver his topic --- 'Contributory Negligence & Disciplinary Rulings'. The veteran comrade presented the intricacies of the topic beautifully in easy language. Audience was enlightened.

  Com. M.Chandrasekharan Nair, retired SSPOs, former General Secretary, Officers' Association and Vice-President of IPOs/ASPOs Association, who always remained closely associated with movement of Postal employees, was the first speaker in the post-lunch session on 'Disciplinary Rulings: Challenges Before Trade Unions'. With the advantage of having both the experiences of a union activist and an administrator, Com. Nair spoke very effectively to explain all points and corners of his subject. Com. Nair served a brief spell in West Bengal Circle also.

      At 6:30 in the evening, Com. B.G.Tamhankar spoke on 'Use of RTI Act 2005 as a Tool for Trade Unions'. He himself is an expert user of RTI Act, and very easily transformed his knowledge to the minds of the delegates.

       

The delegates were clubbed in 12 groups having members from different circles. Each Group was given time for discussion on the delivered subjects. Then, the Interactive Session started. Each Group Leader came to the dais and asked questions and confusions. The leaders and speakers answered the questions. Everybody found this session very useful.

      The session was adjourned at 11:00 PM in night. But we had to spend the night awake in reading the 100-page wonderful compilation of Rulings (also on other topics of discussion) and answering the list of 30 questions supplied by CHQ.

DAY 2

      The day started with Group Discussion on the subject given to each group and finding solution to the questions related to that subject. Leader of each group presented the solutions suggested by his group, the CHQ Team explained and corrected the answers further. The delegates experienced a never-before process of interactive learning.

  Then Com. M.Krishnan, President Gr-C CHQ and Secretary General, NFPE, spoke on 'History of Postal Trade Union Movement'. The life and work of BABU TARAPADA, father of Postal T.U. movement and founder of The Calcutta Postal Club, was relived by him. The visions and sacrifices of Com. Bhupen Ghosh, Com. K.G.Bose, Com. Adinarayana, Com. N.J.Aiyar, movements, failures and successes ---- all were discussed in detail.

     The last speaker was Com. K.V.Sridharan, General Secretary, and he spoke very briefly on 'How to Represent Cases Before Administration Citing Rules and How to Face Them'. He did not require to speak for long because already through earlier sessions and interactions, the subject was thoroughly covered.

    The delegates were given a set of 50 MCQ questions again with 15 minutes to answer. Another magnificent session was experienced while the answers were discussed by Com. K.V.S.

    The program ended with vote of thanks by the host divisional secretary, Com. Rajesh Bohidar, a soft-spoken, diligent and sincere soldier, who made this huge arrangement entirely in Hotel Sonali possible, with the strength of only 90 members in the small division of Puri; and speech by host Circle Secretary, Com. R.C.Mishra, an experienced veteran trade unionist.

     Total 176 comrades participated in the workshop, 14 from West Bengal Circle. After the program ended, our Circle Team met in an assessment meeting in their room which persisted till 2 A.M. in night. As West Bengal Circle Union is going to organise same program on 10th & 11th March at Barrackpore, North Presidency Division in presence of Com. K.V.S., the meeting discussed the participating member's roles and responsibilities.          

EAST  KOLKATA  DIVISION  HOLDS  ANNUAL  BLOOD  DONATION  CAMP 

  East Kolkata Divisional Unions organised their annual voluntary Blood Donation Camp yesterday, the 7th, at Beleghata H.O. They are holding this program each year since 1995. The camp was inaugurated by Com. Tapan Dasgupta, President, Group-C Circle Union. Com. Asit Das, Circle Secretary (SBCO) was also present. 36 comrades donated blood, out of which 6 were lady comrades.

      Along with the camp, free eye-testing camp was also arranged with the help of Rotary Club of Mahanagar Kolkata. Many comrades took the benefit of getting their eyes tested in the camp.