BMS likely to opt out of Bharat bandh on Sept 2

RSS-affiliate Bhartiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS) is unlikely to participate in the proposed nationwide strike by 10 central unions on September 2 in view of the government's assurance on their demands.
"It was a good meeting. We are waiting for a formal communication from the government on their assurances about working on 12-point charter of demands," BMS General Secretary Virjesh Upadhyay told PTI after meeting with the ministerial panel headed by Finance Minister Arun Jaitley here.
This was the second round of discussions by the panel with a delegation of BMS, after the August 16 meeting.
The meeting assumes significance in view of the countrywide strike call next month to protest against certain labour law amendments and government's indifference to the 12-point charter of demands of the central trade unions.

When asked whether BMS is still planning to join other trade unions on September 2 Bharat bandh, he said: "We are waiting for a formal communication and if it does not come then our national executive decision to go on strike stands."
However, it seems difficult that BMS would join Bharat bandh because it is not easy to mobilise members for a countrywide agitation in less than two weeks.

In the present legal framework, all units of unions have to mandatorily serve a notice for strike two weeks in advance in the case of essential services like transport and power supply.

Even if BMS decides to join the strike, there is not enough time to serve the notice and mobilise members working in establishments providing essential services.
On the Bharat bandh last year on September 2, BMS had withdrawn from the strike on assurances by the government to work on nine out of the 12-point charter of demands.
Meanwhile, Upadhyay told reporters after the meeting: "There was further movement from our last meeting held on August 16. The 12-point charter of demands was discussed in a more broader way. We will wait for the communication from the Ministry (Labour) before taking a decision on strike."

Labour Minister Bandaru Dattatreya said: "We had a positive discussion with the BMS. We discussed many issues. Government is considering their demand on minimum wages, contract labour, pension issues and we are hopeful that all trade unions will be happy with our (government's) efforts."
Besides, Jaitley and Dattatreya, Power Minister Piyush Goyal, Minister of State for Prime Minister's Office Jitendra Singh and Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, who are part of the ministerial panel, participated in the meeting.