One million employees took part in the 12-12-12 strike

Nearly Ten lakhs Central Government employees took part in the one day token strike today, the 12th December, 2012 on the call of the Confederation of Central Government employees and workers, paralyzing the governmental functions in various departments throughout the country. The strike was to protest against the continued efforts of the Government to enact the PFRDA Bill, whereby the existing defined benefit pension of Government employees is sought to be converted into a defined contributory pension scheme. Every reason, the Government advanced at the time of the introduction of the new scheme is found to be incorrect and misleading by the Experts Committee set up by the Government itself.

Besides, the employees had been demanding wage revision by setting up the 7th Central Pay Commission, filling up large number of vacant posts, regularization of the service of Grameen Dak Sewaks/Casual/daily-rated workers, revival of the negotiating machinery i.e. JCM, removal of restrictions on compassionate appointments, introduction of Public Distribution system to arrest the ever increasing prices of essential commodities, stoppage of outsourcing, contractorisation, privatization etc. 

As per the report received the strike was total in Assam, Tripura, West Bengal, Orissa, Andhra Pradesh, Tamilnadu, Kerala, Chattisgarh, Jharkhand and beyond 80% in Maharashtra, Karnataka, U.P. Bihar, and about 60% in other States. The Postal, Income tax, Groundwater Board departments came to a grinding halt in all States, as the offices could not be opened at all. In Income tax Department, the promotee officers also joined the strike paving way of a complete closure. Many establishments of Atomic Energy, Printing and Stationery, Defence accounts, Medical Depots, Audit and Accounts Departments, Civil Accounts, CGHS, Indian Bureau of Mines, Directorate of Marketing Inspection, Geological Survey of India, Archaeological and Botanical Survey of India etc. remained closed. 

The organizers of the Strike have asserted that they will make the general strike of workers slated for 20th and 21st February, 2013 a grand success by enlisting participation of all sections of the Central Government employees. 

The Confederation will strive to organize an indefinite strike in pursuance of the 15 point charter of demands in 2013 if no settlement is brought about by the Government by then.