A CGTP-IN enviou às 11 centrais sindicais da Índia uma mensagem de solidariedade (Anexa em Inglês) por ocasião da greve geral histórica que, pela primeira vez, é promovida conjuntamente por todas as centrais sindicais deste país. Pela dimensão, população e representatividade do movimento sindical da Índia, tratar-se-á seguramente de uma das maiores lutas de massas da história do movimento sindical. A greve geral é uma poderosa acção de luta contra as medidas neoliberais do governo e de proposta de um conjunto de 10 medidas urgentes em defesa dos direitos e interesses dos trabalhadores e do povo indiano.
SOLIDARITY WITH THE GENERAL STRIKE IN INDIA
20-21 February 2013
DEAR COMRADES OF THE INDIAN TRADE UNION FEDERATIONS,
On behalf of the Portuguese workers and trade unions we represent, we extend to the 11 Indian trade union centres that are calling this historic all out strike, our warmest and militant solidarity, in this crucial struggle to defend the interests and yearnings of the Indian workers and people, so severely hit by neoliberal policies of your government.
We are fully behind all your demands:
1) concrete measures to contain price rise, 2) concrete measures for employment generation, 3) strict enforcement of labour laws, 4) universal social security cover for organized and unorganized workers and creation of National Social Security Fund and 5) stoppage of disinvestment in Central and State PSUs / Undertakings, 6) No Contractorisation of work of permanent/perennial nature and payment of wages and benefits to the contract workers at the same rate as available to the regular workers of the industry/establishment, 7) Amendment of Minimum Wages Act to ensure universal coverage irrespective of the schedules and fixation of statutory minimum wage at not less than Rs 10,000/- linked with cost price index, 8) Remove all ceilings on payment and eligibility of Bonus, Provident Fund; Increase the quantum of gratuity, 9) Assured Pension for all, 10) Compulsory registration of trade unions within a period of 45 days and immediate ratification of the ILO Conventions Nos. 87 and 98.
In Portugal, we are also fighting intensly against ultraliberal policies adopted by our government, under the command of an international “troika” of the International Monetary Fund, the European Commission and the European Central Bank, which is leading our country into deep recession, growing unemployment and poverty. On the 16th February we staged demonstrations in 24 Portuguese cities and still this month and in March we will be intensifying trade union and popular struggles.
This is indeed a time for workers of the world to unite, to resist and fight the onslaught of big capital that, using the pretext of the crisis, is severely targetting workers’rights and living and working conditions.
Let us fight together for the end of exploitation, for a society of social progress and justice!
Fraternal Solidarity
Augusto Praça
Executive Board
CGTP-IN
PORTUGAL