Indian unions oppose privatisation of electricity sector
The issue of privatisation has been widely opposed by BWI-affiliated trade unions in India and is one of the key issues highlighted by the Central Trade Unions’ (CTU) 12-point Charter of Demands which is pending before the government. The trade unions explained that the government, under the pretext of attracting investments and boosting economic activities, is opening up large portions of the country’s vital sectors and strategic and non-strategic industries to privatisation and liberalisation. They said these policies could severely undermine and suppress workers’ and trade union rights.
NOBSM General Secretary Akshya Tripathy said that the privatisation of public utilities often ends up undermining workers’ rights, with profits not channeled back on maintenance and working conditions. “There are numerous cases of increased outsourcing, denial of due wages and benefits and poor occupational health and safety standards resulting in fatal accidents in the electricity sector. We strongly condemn these steps. Amidst a pandemic, the government should support workers and their families instead of pushing for anti-labour policies.”
DSEWU General Secretary Kuldeep Kumar asserted that electricity workers, apart from provision of adequate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), should be compulsory covered with insurance and provided with adequate compensation and other benefits. “Electricity workers are essential workers. They have been working throughout the lockdown. They should be declared as COVID-19 heroes and warriors.”
It was reported that the Tata Power Company Limited (TPCL) in Odisha State, a subsidiary of Tata Group, after acquiring a major stake in power distribution and retail supply of electricity in Delhi, Mumbai and Ajme, has now taken over the Central Electricity Supply Utility of Odisha (CESU) in five cities – Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Puri, Paradip and Dhenkanal on 1 June. It is one of the many issues that has contributed to the deteriorating workers’ rights situation in India.
On 22 May, CTU launched a successful nationwide protest against the suspension of labour laws in several states. On 3 July, another nationwide protest is expected as a response to the government’s anti-labour announcements and policy proposals. It will be participated by different trade unions across the country, including BWI affiliates, to express strong dissent to the government’s continued attacks on workers’ rights and deep disregard for trade unions’ voice and representations submitted.