NFAEE

PRESS RELEASE

Atomic Energy and Space Employees Federations formed Co ordination Committee

Chennai August 10, 2009,

The joint Convention of Employees of Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) & Department of Space (DOS) jointly organized by extended session of National Federation of Atomic Energy Employees (NFAEE) and Space Employees Federation (SEFI) was held at Shasthri Bhavan, Chennai to have a detailed review of the situation facing the trade union movement particularly in the departments of the atomic and space and decide the strategy.
Around 200 delegates from almost all the affiliate association/unions representing both the Atomic and space employees’ federations covering all the units attended the meeting. The session was conducted by a presidium comprising Com. Ramana Rao, President SEFI, M. Sangiah and G.K.Pandey Working Presidents NFAEE. Earlier Com. A Sathasivam Assistant Secretary General NFAEE welcomed the delegates and Com. Jayaraj. K.V. Secretary General NFAEE delivered the introductory speech.
The background paper was circulated by the core group dealt on the policies and programmes of these departments and its impact on the Indian economy and the employees in particular. It is felt that the united movement of atomic and space employees are the urgent necessity in the hour of the move for opening up these sectors for foreign direct investments and privatization initiatives. The intent and policy of foreign investment and privatization would be much more severe on our country and thus on employees and workers too.
While noting the dubious move to liberalise entry of private and foreign capital in these sectors of the country and also the move to divert huge resources, the meeting called upon the atomic and space workers to resist such unscrupulous ploy to bail out foreign financial agencies at the cost of country's economy and vital sectors of the Departments of Atomic and Space research through united struggle.
The approach paper further noted the impact of the implementation of the recommendations of Sixth Central Pay Commission (SCPC) as well as the refusal of both the departments to de merge the merged pay scales for various categories, to give proper compensation for performing duties on the round shift duties, for extra hours of work ,for the duties performed in the night duties, etc and to solve the pay related issued of Admn/Accounts, Stores & Purchase personnel and the departments inaction to commence meaningful negotiation.
The meeting denounced the victimizations of the employees and workers of the Departments of Atomic Energy and Space departments for participating in democratic trade union activities and demanded the withdrawal of all punitive measures.
To meet the tasks planned in the meeting, a Co-ordination Committee of Atomic and Space Employees and Workers was formed and Com. Jayaraj KV (NFAEE) was elected as General Convener and Com. D. Murukan (SEFI) was elected as Chairman.
The session unanimously adopted a Declaration presented by Com. Jayaraj KV (NFAEE) and seconded by Com K. Murukan (SEFI) on the above lines. 15 delegates representing various units under DAE as well as DOS participated in the discussion.
Earlier the Joint Convention of DAE – DOS employees was inaugurated by Com. KKN. Kutty, Secretary General Confederation of Central Government Employees and Workers, New Delhi. In his speech he narrated number of discrepancies arise after the implementation of the Sixth Central Pay Commission report. And opined that the SCPC report is the worst report ever comes so far for the pay revision for Central Government Employees. The inaugural session was addressed also by Com D. Duraipandian Secretary, COC of CG Employees, Tamil Nadu Unit.

(Jayaraj.K.V)
Secretary General
NFAEE

PROCEEDINGS OF THE JOINT CONVENTION OF EMPLOYEES OF THE DEPARTMENT OF ATOMIC ENERGY AND DEPARTMENT OF SPACE HELD AT THE CONFERENCE HALL, SHASTHRI BHAVAN CHENNAI ON 10TH AUGUST 2009

The Joint Convention of Employees of Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) & Department of Space (DOS) jointly organized by extended session of National Federation of Atomic Energy Employees (NFAEE) and Space Employees Federation (SEFI) was held at Shasthri Bhavan, Chennai on 10th August 2009 to have a detailed review of the situation facing the atomic and space employees trade union movement and in particularly these departments and decide the strategy.
The Joint Convention begin with the welcome address by Com. A. Sathasivam, Asst. Secretary General NFAEE.
Com. Jayaraj. K.V. Secretary General briefed the back ground needed for organizing this convention in the occasion of the implementation of the recommendations of Sixth Central Pay Commission and subsequent implementation of PRIS and other related issues as well as the approach of the Government and the Departments to speed up the policies such as privatization, out sourcing and contracturisation.
Com. Ramana Rao, president SEFI presided over the inaugural session of the Joint Convention. In his brief presidential address, he referred the issues such as the JCM functioning, pay structure and related issues, other common issues pertaining to both departments, etc.
On behalf of both Federations and the organizing Committee Com. Sudarsanan presented a Flower Bouquet to Com. K.K.N Kutty Secretary General Confederation of Central Government Employees & Workers New Delhi, Com. Durai Pandian, Secretary, COC of Confederation of Central Government Employees & Workers, Tamil Nadu and Com. E.S Chandran founder Working President of NFAEE were welcomed by presenting flower bouquets by Com. Kumaresan and Com. Palany of DPS (DAE) Employees Association Chennai respectively.
Com. K.K.N.Kutty, Secretary General Confederation of Central Government Employees & Workers New Delhi inaugurated the Joint Convention. In his elaborated speech Com. Kutty brought the evolution of trade union movement Central government employees’ movement after the independence. He narrated various struggles of the central government employees on various issues such as pay structure, minimum wages, Dearness Allowances, etc. He also explained the functioning of the Joint Consultative Machinery and it delay tactics. Number of issues was raised in the JCM and marked for arbitration and even after arbitration awards; Government is not ready to take any action. He mentioned that the anomalies brought after the 5th CPC are still pending with the Government. Then what would be the settlement of the anomalies created after the implementation of 6th CPC.
Com.Kutty further stated that the recommendations of SCPC are the worst report ever submitted by any of the Pay Commissions so far. He summed up the speech by saying that if the trade union movement in the whole central Government establishment not come together and fight against the retrograded recommendations of the Pay Commission as well as the anti workers policy of the government, the movement will become welfare one where as the Central Government Employees movement was built by sacrificing the job and lives of our founder leaders.
The COC of CG Employees & Workers, Shasthri Bhavan unit, Chennai presented shawl to Com. K.K.N. Kutty, Com. Durai Pandian, Com. E.S. Chandran. Com. Jayaraj.K.V, Com. Ramana Rao and Com. D. Murukan
There after Com. Durai Pandian Secretary Tamil nadu COC addressed the delegates in which he narrated the discrepancies in the recommendations of SCPC and called upon the employees to fight against these discrepancies, otherwise employees will not achieve any thing.
Com. D. Murukan, Secretary General SEFI greeted the delegates and stressed the need of the joint movement of trade union in DAE & DOS.
Com. E.S Chandran, founder Working President of NFAEE also addresses the gathering.
Vote of thanks was given by Com. Sudarsanan President of DPS (DAE) Employees Association.
Around 120 delegates from almost all the affiliate association/unions representing both the Atomic Energy and Space employees’ federations covering all the units attended the meeting.
After the delegate session, the convention adjourned for lunch at 1.30 pm
The delegate session was started at 2.15 pm.
The session was conducted by a presidium comprising Com. Ramana Rao, President SEFI, M. Sangiah and G.K.Pandey Working Presidents NFAEE.
Com. Jayaraj.K.V presented the back ground paper for discussion. The background paper was circulated by the core group dealt on the policies and programmes of these departments and its impact on the Indian economy and the employees in particular. It is felt that the united movement of atomic and space employees are the urgent necessity in the hour of move of opening up these sectors for foreign investments and privatization initiatives. The intent and policy of foreign investment and privatization would much more severe on our country and thus on employees and workers too. While noting the dubious move to liberalise entry of private and foreign capital in these sectors of the country and also the move to divert huge resources, the meeting called upon the atomic and space workers to resist such unscrupulous ploy to bail out foreign financial agencies at the cost of country's economy and vital sectors of atomic and space research through united struggle. In the approach paper further noted the impact of the implementation of the recommendations of Sixth Central Pay Commission (SCPC) as well as the refusal of both the departments to de merge the merged pay scales for various categories, proper compensation for performing duties on the round shift duties, extra hours of work ,for the duties performed in the night duties and the pay related issued of Administration/Accounts, Stores & Purchase personnel and the departments inaction to commence meaningful negotiation.
Com. D. Murukan seconded the approach paper and explained the developments in the Department of Space
Com. T. Chandrasekharan President NFAIE (DAE), Com. Seetharaman Gen. Secretary ACTSWA (AEES), Com. Sambasiviah Former leader Space Staff side addressed the delegates and greeted with wishes.
In the session Com. K.K Panda (DOS), P. Venkateswaran (DAE), Sundarlal (DAE), Vijaykumar (DAE), Prasad (DOS), Dhananjayan (DAE), V.P.Sasikumar (DAE), V.K.Patil (DAE), T. Mohan (DAE), J.H.Raul (DAE), Sabu Abraham (DAE), D.R. Amang (DAE), Babu (DAE), Muruga raj (DAE), etc were participated and elaborately discussed about the common issues pertaining to the employees of DAE and DOS.
After the discussion Com. A. Sathasivam, Asst. Secretary General NFAEE made a power point presentation about the Indian Nuclear and Space programme.
Thereafter Com. Jayaraj.K.V summed up the discussion and proposed the declaration and resolution to be adopted by the convention for the future joint movement.
The convention adopted unanimously the declaration and the resolution detailing the issues warranted attention and tasks to be sent to the Honorable Prime Minister as well as to the Secretaries of both Departments. (Copies of the declaration and resolution are given separately).
To carry out the task adopted in the meeting, a Co ordination Committee of Atomic and Space Employees and Workers was formed with Com. D. Murukan (SEFI) as Chairman and Com. Jayaraj K.V. (NFAEE) as General Convener.
DECLARATION

ADOPTED IN THE JOINT CONVENTION OF EMPLOYEES OF THE DEPARTMENT OF ATOMIC ENERGY AND DEPARTMENT OF SPACE HELD AT THE CONFERENCE HALL, SHASTHRI BHAVAN CHENNAI ON 10TH AUGUST 2009

This Joint Convention of the employees of the Department of Atomic Energy and space held at the Conference Hall of Shasthri Bhavan, Chennai on 10th August 2009 congratulates all DAE - DOS Employees for their whole hearted contribution to bring these two prestigious Departments as the best organizations of the country since its Independence. This has been achieved by adopting indigenous Policies in the arena of Atomic Energy and Space shaped by the need to stand up to the regime of Technology Control and Technology Denial imposed on our country on various occasions by the developed countries. Since the beginning of our nuclear programme immediately after the independence, INDIA had aimed at self reliance. The same policy intent continued and strengthened even after our R&D works spread over to space mission. With pride, now we can declare that self reliance in Nuclear Technology as well as Space Technology is in our first. To reach this level, the contributions of our founder leaders including the Father of Nuclear Programme in India, Dr. Homi Bhabha and the Father of Space Programme Dr. Vikram Sarabhai in India are uncountable and this Convention respectfully remember their contributions.

The activities in the research and development of nuclear energy and space technology are almost as old as our Independent India. Atomic Energy Act was passed in the year 1948 and guidelines for Indian space programme were adopted at a later stage. The convention made an attempt to look in to the various aspects related to the programme in general, as the activities of these two Departments which is divided into various sectors such as Research & Development, Industrial, Services & Support, Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs), Aided Institutions, etc. Though the activities have been divided into various sectors the work forces in these two Departments always faces lot of similar problems. The work force has been the victims of severe offensive economic policies since the new economic policies were adopted in 1991. While these policies are giving the advices and directives from the International TRIOS viz. IMF, World Bank and WTO, the direct attacks fall on the work force of DAE - DOS also, as in other sectors.

Systematic down sizing of the work force, outsourcing of the departmental activities, curtailment of the facilities including social security benefits extended to the employees, denial and delaying of the promotional avenues and cadre restructuring etc of all section of employees such as technical, administration, auxiliary, purchase & stores and violation of safety norms, etc are some of the examples of the adverse impact of these policies on the employees in our department. After the implementation of the recommendations of Sixth Central Pay Commission the attack on the work force on various aspects as become more aggressive and targeted one.

It is pertinent to note here that the Department of Atomic Energy as well as Department of Space has been given exemptions from various general guidelines issued to other conventional departments, such as exemption in matters of financial power, recruitment and promotion policies, exemption from CPWD for construction etc. Even then it is seen that DAE and DOS are competing with other Departments for implementing recommendations of various guidelines to curtail the facilities available to its employees.

This Joint Convention notes with grave concern the disastrous fall out of the worldwide financial crisis and the accompanying recession which is also affecting the Indian economy and the working people of our country in a big way in the form of widespread lay-off, retrenchment, wage-cuts in various forms and attack on trade union rights. It expresses concern about providing bail-out and concessions to big business and corporate houses than finding out ways and means and taking appropriate steps for protecting the jobs and earnings of several lakhs of working people who are worst affected by the recession and crisis.
The present global financial crisis is the inevitable culmination of the neo-liberal economic policy regime authored by World Bank and IMF which is driven by the international finance capital operating with speculative obsession throughout the globe; privatization of public sector units and public services and total deregulation of the financial sector are the main components of this neo-liberal policy regime which ignite irresponsible speculation to dominate over the real productive economy and finally spell disaster on the entire economy and the toiling people as has been demonstrated by the collapse of the financial institutions and accompanying economic recession worldwide.
It is also noted that in the face of crisis and collapse of most of these institutions in almost all advanced economies in the world, respective governments resorted to the public sector route through nationalization and active state intervention and expanding Government control and assistance to these sectors sector.
This joint meeting note with serious concern that the government is not in spirit of granting assistance for sustaining the independent atomic and space programme. And over and above, on being pressurized by the corporate lobby both domestic and foreign, the intent to utilize the huge resources to pump-up for the establishment for huge power plants, through phased disinvestment, IPOs and various other routes. Trade union movement in both these departments must have to unitedly resist such conspiratorial move of creeping privatisation resolutely.

This joint meeting has taken serious note of the notification issued by the Government on the introduction of HAG with out the Sixth Pay commission recommendation to give further financial upgradation at the higher level of Class I officers on the contrary the refusal of both the departments to de merge the merged pay scales and the departments inaction to commence meaningful negotiation – reveal the fairness.

The convention notes with serious concern that all affiliate unions and associations of both Federations shall firmly push through the basic formulation of proper relativity on pay rise of the workers vis-a-vis the executives and simultaneous wage-rise for the contract workers

The Joint convention thus calls upon the Central Government, Department of Atomic Energy and Department of Space to continue the special status in all respects to DAE and DOS which have been considered as a scientific department and given a special status in comparison with other conventional departments by adopting exclusive Business Allocation Rules.
The Joint Convention also urges upon the Government to ensure the appropriate permanent mechanism for speedy settlement of the grievances of the staff of atomic and space departments with NFAEE/SEFI respectiovely.
The Joint Convention of Atomic Energy and space Employees further demands the Central government, Department of Atomic Energy and Department of Space:

v To stop out sourcing, privatization, downsizing, contractorization, casualisation of the activities of various sectors of DAE and DOS.

v To ensure the implementation of all safety laws/guidelines as directed by the various authorized agencies. AERB, BARC Safety Council, Safety regulators for Department of Space and other agencies created to scrutinize, supervise and guide the Department and its units on Safety related issues should be taken out from the DAE and put directly under the control of Prime Minister, Ministry of Health or Ministry of Labour, etc.

v To introduce Radiation/Hazardous/Risk allowance to the employees who are exposed to radiation, hazardous chemicals, excessive heat etc and provide protein diet at subsidized rate.

v To extend Productivity Linked Bonus to all DAE - DOS employees. Those who are not covered under Bonus Act may give ex–gratia payment

v To stop the extension of the government service after superannuation immediately.

v To ensure the application of scientific temperament in the day to day activities and ensure democratic approach on all issues.

v To initiate open debate among the scientists, technocrats and other section of employees in respect to the nuclear programme as well as space programme of the Government/Department and take the employees into confidence while making any changes in the declared policies.

v To ensure proper implementation of pay scales to all sections of employees based on the recommendations of Sixth Central Pay Commission (SCPC).

v To protect the promotional avenues, promotional stages, etc while implementing the pay scales for which to introduce the higher grade pay for merged pay scales where ever such scales are operated as promotional posts.

v To ensure the continuation of CHSS in the present form. Extend the Scheme to the units where it does not exist.

v To withdraw the 5% cap and other restrictions on compassionate ground appointments. Restore the compassionate ground appointment scheme wherever it stands replaced with one time cash compensation.

v To ensure uniformity while implementing the identical schemes, orders etc approved by the Government for both departments and for which evolve and strengthen apex level coordination between DAE and DOS.
The Joint Convention resolves to firmly defend the rights of the Atomic Energy and Space employees and workers all over the country and continue its united opposition to any move to weaken and privatize these sectors which play crucial role in country's self reliant development.
The Joint Convention further calls upon the employees and workers of all units of atomic energy and space to prepare for a resolute united struggle, whenever needed, to ensure a proper implementation of pay for the entire workforce of both the regular and on contract and defeat all kinds of discrimination in pay related matters and promotion and against the unmindful approach on privatization, outsourcing of the various activities in these strategically important Departments under the Government.
To realize the task, this convention overwhelmingly resolved to conduct the following programmes:
1. Submit memorandum containing the common issues of Atomic Energy and Space Employees to the Prime Minister, and Secretaries of the Department in the month of September 2009
2. Campaign among the employees by bringing out posters, printing pamphlets, etc to project common issues and the need of united actions in the month of October 2009
3. Organise Public meetings, general body meetings, conventions, seminars, etc at the unit level in DAE as well as DOS in the month of November 2009
4. Organise Mass Dharna programme in the month of December 2009 in all units. Where ever it is possible to hold jointly in such places joint dharna programme may organized
5. Organise Working Women’s Convention wherever it is possible either jointly or unit wise to mobilize the women employees
6. Organise workshop on labor laws, administrative rules & regulations, disciplinary proceedings, etc for trade union activists
7. To approach the petition committee of Parliament on various issue such as revision of OTA and NDA, participation of non gazetted staff in the JCM Scheme etc for remedies.

RESOLUTION

ADOPTED IN THE JOINT CONVENTION OF EMPLOYEES OF THE DEPARTMENT OF ATOMIC ENERGY AND DEPARTMENT OF SPACE HELD AT THE CONFERENCE HALL, SHASTHRI BHAVAN

CHENNAI ON 10TH AUGUST 2009

The Joint Convention of Atomic Energy and Space Employees organized by the National Federation of Atomic Energy Employees (NFAEE) and Space Employees Federation of India at the Shasthri Bhavan Chennai on 10th August 2009 took serious concern about the Government’s approach on various common issues of the employees of these two departments.

The joint convention unanimously expressed its serious concern on systematic down sizing of the work force, outsourcing of the departmental activities, curtailment of the facilities including social security benefits extended to the employees, denial and delaying of the promotional avenues and cadre restructuring etc of all section of employees such as technical, administration, auxiliary, purchase & stores and violation of safety norms, etc as well as the attack on the work force on various aspects after the implementation of the recommendations of Sixth Central Pay Commission.

It is pertinent to note here that the Department of Atomic Energy as well as Department of Space has been exempted from various general guidelines issued to other conventional departments, such as exemption in matters of financial power, recruitment and promotion policies, exemption from CPWD for construction etc. Even then it is seen that DAE and DOS are competing with other Departments for implementing recommendations of various guidelines of the government to curtail the facilities available to its employees.

Thus the Joint convention calls upon the Honorable Prime Minster to do the needful to ensure to maintain the status given all along these years to these two departments and continue all activities of the Department in Government set up as well as to ensure the privileges given to DAE as well as DOS and its employees on recruitment, better pay structure, promotion policies, etc to retain the best talents in the Department to continue the R& D work successfully.

This convention further calls upon Honorable Prime Minister of India to direct the departments of Atomic Energy and Space to set up permanent mechanism for a bilateral discussion with the NFAEE and SEFI in order to settle the grievances of these departments' employees outside the JCM purview periodically.

This convention further urges upon the Secretaries of DAE and DOS to come out with such meaningful solution to over come the discrepancies, anomalies in the pay structure, allowances, facilities, recruitment and promotional policies, etc and to do away with the privatization, out sourcing, etc as privatization and outsourcing may engulf the activities not good in national interest and also of the departments which are strategically important.

(Ramana Rao) (M. Sangiah) (G.K.Pandey)
President Working President Working President
SEFI NFAEE NFAEE