Unions begin strike against privatisation of OFs
   Date :21-Aug-2019

 
Staff Reporter : Trade unions successfully launched the historic strike against proposed corporatisation of Ordnance Factories at four Ordnance Factories in Jabalpur, on Tuesday. It may be noted that, the three national federations AIDEF, INDWF and BPMS have jointly called a nationwide strike of Ordnance Factories from August 20 to September 19. First day of the strike witnessed overwhelming participation of employees and officers. Exempting the Group-A officers, a large number of officers and industrial employees gathered in front of main entrance of their respective factories before sunrise and registered their strong presence during strike till sunset.
 
Senior trade union leaders charged that, Central Government had initiated the process of corporatisation of Ordnance Factories without taking the consent of trade unions and warned that, defence production will be stopped till next one month in case the Government does not hear their demands. It was informed that, Defence Secretary and Defence Minister will chair a high-level meeting in New Delhi on August 21, to take any decision on demands of trade unions for ending their nationwide indefinite strike. On first day of the 30-day strike, employees’ representatives reached in front of their respective factories early in the morning, including Ordnance Factory Khamaria (OFK), Gun Carriage Factory (GCF), Vehicle Factory Jabalpur (VFJ) and Grey Iron Foundry (GIF). Pointing to the gravity of situation, heavy police deployment was made near the four Ordnance Factories to avoid any kind of agitation.
 
Besides this, Collector, Bharat Yadav already enforced Section 144 near Ordnance Factories to maintain law and order arrangements near sensitive defence establishments. Senior administrative and police officers monitored the situation throughout the day. AIDEF, National President, S N Pathak, BPMS, National Organisation Secretary, Narendra Tiwari, INDWF, National Vice-President, Arun Dubey and others expressed gratitude towards employees for their unity and encouraged them to prove their strength during the 30-day strike for protection of Ordnance Factories from corporatisation.
 
Director General of Ordnance Factories and Chairman, Ordnance Factory Board (OFB), Saurabh Kumar, in his statement released on Tuesday, stated that, the month-long strike in response to the call given by the three recognised defence federations has commenced. The strike has been undertaken to oppose the proposed corporatisation of the Ordnance Factories. It is, however, emphasised that the proposed policy of corporatisation of Ordnance Factories by the Government of India, is aimed at providing greater flexibility in day-to-day functioning; increased operational freedom and autonomy in decision making, leading to enhanced productivity. This will enable the Ordnance Factories to respond faster to the futuristic needs of the armed forces and provide an impetus to the export of its products.