Stop Global Tenders and Save the Public Sector

8000 Hindustan Steel Construction Works Limited (HSCL)workers have not been given wages for the last four months and the public sector management has not been giving them adequate work. The workers have conducted a extensive day and night Dharna near ADM's office, organised with HSCL Trade Union Morcha composed of all Trade Unions with Bokaro Progressive Front taking the lead. This mistreatment is unacceptable and the NAPM encourages everyone to take a stand against these injustices.

Construction work is said to be in a "boom" currently but these workers are not benefiting. This is because of global tenders and contracts to companies such as ABB, L&T, and Enron. These multinational contracts have undermined Public Sector construction companies and led to closures and job losses for construction workers.

The SAIL chairman who visited Bokaro has said that the Steel Plant and hospital, among other things, would be sold. Does swadeshi not include the Public Sector? It's only in the Public Sector that there's reservation for SC, ST and so dismantling the Public Sector also means denial of employment to SC, ST. Restructuring the Public Sector, ensuring workers' participation in Management are essential for revitalisation but giving up the Public Sector is a mistake.

In construction specifically there is enough expertise and capability in the Public Sector, so why allow global tenders? This is yet another example of corporate interests being valued over the people, and a concrete illustration of the effects that these projects are having on Indians. This issue must be raised along with the immediate payment of wage arrears and steps to secure contracts and start a revitalisation program.

Please send letters and faxes expressing your concern for these issues, your firm disapproval of the global tender schemes and your support for a re-ordered public sector. Support the workers in their struggle by demanding that the Minister of Steel and Mines (under which the HSCL company falls) intervenes and makes the wage payments and ensures rejuvenation and revitalisation of the industry.

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Send letters of support, and copies of letters to the Minister to:
 

Thank you for your support