Defence Employees To Support July 9 General Strike To Safeguard Government Defence Industry And Restore Old Pension Scheme: C. Srikumar

Ten Central Trade Unions along with several independent federations from various sectors have announced their participation in the nationwide general strike on July 9, demanding the protection of workers’ rights and opposing the government’s policies on privatization and labour reforms. The All India Defence Employees Federation (AIDEF) has extended its support to the strike, with plans to boycott one hour of work and organize demonstrations at over 400 defence establishments across the country.

Speaking to www.indianpsu.com, C. Srikumar, General Secretary of AIDEF, expressed serious concerns over the condition of government-owned defence industries and their employees following the corporatization of the 41 Ordnance Factories.

“The Government is systematically weakening the government defence sector. The corporatised ordnance factories are struggling to survive. The so-called assurances of financial and non-financial support remain only on paper. Most factories are not receiving adequate orders from the Armed Forces, leaving employees under intense pressure and distress,” Srikumar said.

Key Concerns Highlighted by AIDEF:

• Massive downsizing: Employee strength in ordnance factories has dropped from 72,000 to 63,000 within four years of corporatization.

• Exploitation of young workers: Trained trade apprentices are not being recruited on a permanent basis. Instead, they are engaged under Fixed Term Employment without job or social security—despite no law backing such appointments.

• No compassionate appointments: The government has banned compassionate appointments for the past four years.

• Non-implementation of court assurances: The commitment given by the Centre in the Madras High Court to retain the Central Government status of employees and protect service conditions remains unfulfilled.

• Lack of dialogue: Trade union rights are being curtailed. There have been no JCM (Joint Consultative Machinery) meetings or discussions with employee federations.

• Officers’ high-handedness: At the unit level, officers function in a “dictatorial” manner, with transfer powers often misused, forcing employees to seek legal intervention.

Srikumar also criticised the New Pension Scheme (NPS) and the Unorganised Pension Scheme (UPS), saying both are disastrous.

“More than 99% of NPS-covered employees have rejected the UPS, forcing the Government to extend the option deadline to September 30. Yet, the employees remain firm in their demand for the restoration of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS),” he added.

Pensioners Also Affected

Srikumar warned that even existing pensioners are not spared from the adverse impact of government policies.

“Future pension revisions are now entirely dependent on the Government’s discretion. Moreover, the condition of CGHS medical facilities is deteriorating rapidly,” he said.

He also questioned the delay in notification for the 8th Central Pay Commission, stating that six months after its announcement, there is still no clarity or implementation.

Defence Preparedness at Stake

Highlighting the long-term risks to national defence capability, Srikumar warned: “If young, trained technicians are not recruited permanently, the skills and techniques developed over decades by senior workers will not be passed on. This will severely affect our defence preparedness.”

He called upon the Government to reconsider its policies, correct past mistakes, and engage in meaningful dialogue with the employee federations.

“Officers are filing appeals up to the Supreme Court even after courts rule in favour of employees. The atmosphere is one of harassment and suppression. Hence, Defence Civilian Employees cannot remain aloof from the larger workers’ movement,” he said.

AIDEF has submitted a charter of demands to the Defence Secretary, and Srikumar warned of an intensified struggle if the issues remain unresolved.

“We will observe a one-hour work boycott on July 9 with massive demonstrations across the country. If the Government does not address our demands, AIDEF will chart out a future course of relentless struggle,” concluded a determined C. Srikumar.