"19th September 1968 is a memorable day in the annals of the struggles of the Central Government employees. It was on this day lakhs of CG employees went on a historic strike demanding Need Based Minimum Wag,e, DA etc., defying all black laws and threats including the Essential Service Maintenance Act. There was no other way for the unions other than to go on strike, since the government denied the justified demands of the workers.
The strike was only for one day, a token strike. But the entire country was paralysed with employees of Railways, Posts and Telegraphs and other CG services on strike. It was dealt by the Central Government with all its mighty state apparatus. Thousands of employees were arrested, jailed, dismissed, suspended, terminated and imposed with heavy punishments.
But the workers fought back and by about two to three years almost all the dismissed/terminated employees could be reinstated. But all the victimisation could not be cancelled and suffered not only till retirement but in pension also.
It was a heroic struggle well knowing the consequences. But it had its results. Gradually the government was compelled to agree to many of the demands. No struggle is in vain.
None of those valiant comrades who participated in the strike are in service now, since all of them might have retired by this time. But till their last, all of them will have the memory of this great struggle.
It was a historic strike indeed!" - Com.VAN. Namboodiri. BSNL Employees Union.
The strike was only for one day, a token strike. But the entire country was paralysed with employees of Railways, Posts and Telegraphs and other CG services on strike. It was dealt by the Central Government with all its mighty state apparatus. Thousands of employees were arrested, jailed, dismissed, suspended, terminated and imposed with heavy punishments.
But the workers fought back and by about two to three years almost all the dismissed/terminated employees could be reinstated. But all the victimisation could not be cancelled and suffered not only till retirement but in pension also.
It was a heroic struggle well knowing the consequences. But it had its results. Gradually the government was compelled to agree to many of the demands. No struggle is in vain.
None of those valiant comrades who participated in the strike are in service now, since all of them might have retired by this time. But till their last, all of them will have the memory of this great struggle.
It was a historic strike indeed!" - Com.VAN. Namboodiri. BSNL Employees Union.