The demand of GRSE Workers, India, on wage revision has been met

UPDATE on GRSE action

Against all odds, after continues struggle workers of GRSE Kolkata, India, a Shipbuilding CPSE Govt. of India have achieved wage revision from Jan 2012, a Memorandum of Settlement has been signed between the Management of GRSE and the GRSE Workmen’s Union on 25 February 2015 with the retrospective effect from January 2012.

The wage revision was due from January 2012.  But  the Department of Public Enterprises, Govt. of India has issued its guideline in the month of June 2013, however, the Management of GRSE was not keen to meet the DA neutralizations and proper fitment and for social protection, having no alternative workers of all the five units of Shipyard under the leadership of GRSE Workmen’s Union were compelled to start the various agitational program like organizing rally’s, Demonstration, Dharna, amongst others, in the month of July 2014 workers started the relay hunger strike inside the shipyard for long 40 days, on and from 1 August 2014 Brother Chinmoy Jana, General Secretary of Workmen’s Union started indefinite hunger strike that continued for Six days. The Management has gauged the growing resentment among the workers and principally agreed for neutralizing the Dearness Allowances into the Basic wages and for Fitment benefits. Since September 2014 long drawn negotiation was taken place, number of draft for settlement was exchanged between the Management and the Union. Finally, after tedious exercise of negotiation a collective bargaining settlement has been signed on 25.02.2015. In this Settlement we tried to address the social security and wages for both old workers going to retired shortly and new appointees’. Following demands of the workers has been achieved.

1. Post Superannuation Medical Scheme coverage of Rs.4.5 lakhs for every year (lifelong) which includes Rs.1.5 lakhs for normal hospitalization treatment and Rs.3 lakhs for critical diseases.
2. In addition to the Pension under the Provident Fund and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1952, a Fourth benefit Pension Scheme has been introduced from 01.01.2012 covering workers on the rolls as on 01.01.2012 and those who were appointed / will be appointed from 01.01.2012. Contribution from the Management will be @ 5% of the Basic pay + DA. Minimum contribution from the operatives will be @1% of Basic pay. Workers will have an option for contributing more.
3. 100% neutralization of Dearness Allowance as 31.12.2011 into the basic wages with 14% fitment on revised basic and DA from 01.01.2012.
4. Leave Travelling Assistance will be 6% of running Basic pay to all the workers, every year.
5. 50% increase in all the fringe benefits like Transport Allowance, Children Education Allowance, Attendance Bonus, Self Development Allowance and Washing Allowance.
6. On Occupational Health and Safety, the Union achieved the long standing demand for imposing ban on use of Asbestos in ship construction, the Management agreed for not using Asbestos.
7. The Management agreed to provide health Drink to all the workers every month.
8. For Physically Handicapped Employees the Management will make a payment of Rs 1000/- every month as transport allowance in addition to existing one.

The Settlement Cost to the Company (CTC) will be Rs. 9000.00 (average) per month per head, to all the workers of GRSE in 2015. Needless to mention here that these achievements of GRSE workers will boost the morale to struggling workers of other undertaking who want to fight, remained united and uplift the independent workers struggle.

Regards,

Kamal Tewary - President 

G.R.S.E. LTD. WORKMEN’S UNION - J-470, 1^st Floor, Paharpur Road, Kolkata – 700 024

Update: 01.03.2015