Govt warns PSU employees against joining ‘Bharat Bandh’

New Delhi: The government on Wednesday issued a stern a warning against employees of public sector units against taking part in the nation-wide 'Bharat Bandh' protests slated for January 8. A memo issued by the Department of Personnel & Training asked PSUs to be ready with a contingency plan to ensure the smooth operation of the companies. Ten trade unions, with an approximate strength of 25 crore people, are expected to hit the roads on Wednesday to express their displeasure over Modi's government's policies. Unions such as INTUC, AITUC, HMS, CITU, AIUTUC, TUCC, SEWA, AICCTU, LPF, UTUC along with independent federations had adopted a declaration in September to go on a strike on January 8, protesting the government's 'anti-people' policies.

Avoid 'Bharat Bandh' or face govt's wrath

"Any employee going on strike in any form, including protest, would face the consequences which, besides deduction of wages, may also include appropriate disciplinary action," said an office memorandum issued by the government. A suitable contingency plan may also be worked out to carry out the various functions of the ministry/department,"  the memorandum said. Specific instruction on leave approvals also spelt out. According to the memo, no casual or other kinds of leave should be sanctioned for the days applied during the period of the strike. It also asks the management to ensure smooth entry of personnel willing to work during the bandh.

The PSU employees are strictly prohibited from participating in any form of strike, including mass casual leave, go-slow and sit-down or any other action that abet any form of strike, as per the Department of Personnel & Training directives. The central trade unions are protesting against labour reforms, FDI, disinvestment, corporatisation and privatisation policies and to press for 12-point common demands of the working class relating to minimum wage and social security, among others. 

(PSU Watch– India's Business News centre that places the spotlight on PSUs, Bureaucracy, Defence and Public Policy is now on Telegram. Join PSU Watch Channel in your Telegram and stay updated)