Nationwide agitation of trade unions has been strengthened with support of World Federation of Trade Unions (WFTU) and All India Forum Against Privatisation (AIFAP) to fight against anti-workers’ policies of the Government and corporatisation of Ordnance Factory Board (OFB).

All India Defence Employees’ Federation (AIDEF), National President, S N Pathak, while talking to ‘The Hitavada’, alleged that the Government has deprived workers from their constitutional right of protest by implementing Essential Defence Services Ordnance 2021 (EDSO).

This Ordinance takes away the right to strike and protest of workers involved in production of defence equipment, services and operation or maintenance of any industrial establishment connected with the military as well as those employed in repair and maintenance of defence products. Pathak added that the struggle of Ordnance Factories employees is not only for their vested interests but the trade unions’ agitation is for protection of Ordnance Factory Board from corporatisation in national interest.

Ordnance Factories proved their mettle by feeding arms, ammunition and other defence materials to national security forces at the time of war and its employees worked round-theclock for national security.

Corporatisation of Ordnance Factories will increase participation of corporate houses in defence production which will work only for their commercial interest. He also charged that this move is the first step towards the privatisation of defence production sector which will also be implemented in other Government departments.

This attempt has been made several times in the past too, but it has been thwarted by the united struggle of our defence workers. S N Pathak made an appeal towards employees and workers of other Government departments should come forward for raising voice against corporatisation of Ordnance Factories and reinstating the right of protest to defence workers.