(a) whether the working class went on a nation-wide strike on May 21, 2003;
(b) if so, whether any advance notice was given by the Trade Union to this effect;
(c) if so, the details thereof and the main demands raised by them;
(d) whether the Government offered effective measures to redress the grievances of the striking workers in order to avert the strike;
(e) if so, the details thereof; and
(f) if not, the reasons therefor?
MINISTER OF STATE FOR LABOUR AND PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (SHRI SANTOSH GANGWAR)
(a) & (b): Yes Sir.
(c): The main demands raised by the trade unions were the following:-
(i) Halt to privatisation of profit making and potentially viable public sector undertakings.
(ii) No change in the labour laws in favour of the employers and against the interest of the workers
(iii) Immediate enactment of comprehensive legislation for agricultural workers.
(iv) No to policies leading to severe aggravation of joblessness and unemployment.
(v) Widen comprehensive social security schemes for all, including workers in unorganised sector.
(vi) Restoration of quantitative restrictions on imports.
(vii) Amendment of Payment of Bonus Act by removing all ceilings.
(viii) Restoration of 12% interest rate on P.F. deposits.