Kolkata: The Writers' Building in Kolkata is in the eye of a brewing storm. State Government employees are on a protest after Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's government proposed to debar them from forming unions or going on strike.
The earlier Left Government had allowed government employees to strike. But the present dispensation says this is simply unacceptable.
Labor Minister Purnendu Bose said, "We are of the view that government employees shouldn't form union and go on strike. After all they are part of the government. Who are they protesting against?"
VO2: But the TMC's tough stand has not gained support among political parties. Even its ally the Congress has been critical.
West Bengal PCC CHief Pradip Bhattacharya said, "The state government's planned move is unjustified and unfair. The problem with the state government is that they don't bother taking other people's opinions. We weren't informed or consulted. They think what they say or do is right. They should have spoken to all trade union leaders before this."
CPI MP Gurudas Dasgupta said, "If Mamata Banerjee dares to put this into effect there will be a mass agitation."
A move apparently to depolitcise and ensure discipline among government officials is seen as a way to muffle dissent by the Opposition.
The left has already threatened a mass agitation if this proposal comes into effect but before that it has to go through the Cabinet and State Legislation for an amendment of the State's service rule.
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