NFPE – THE SINE-QUA-NON OF POSTAL WORKERS
BE PROUD OF BEING IT'S BASIC MEMBER
The NFPTE has come into existence on 24.11.1954 under realignment scheme of the then existing unions, since Sri Jagjiwan Ram, the then communication Minster felt multiciplity of unions disturbed the industrial peace.
The NFPTE has grown as powerful organization since there was one union for one industry under the realignment Scheme. The Government has agreed to the principle of one union in one Industry then and formation of JCM in 1967 also blocked the process of further disintegration of trade unions in the Government Services as provision was made that no new union will be recognized in departments where a Federation/Union broadly and adequately representing all categories of staff already exists.
In the Railways and Defence, the Ruling party had its own set up but that could not be implemented in P&T due to the realignment scheme. The Government refused to recognize INTUC set up in the Postal after the 1960 strike.
But in the Post 1968 strike, the Government took advantage of the situation and decided to crush the NFPTE and first derecognized the NFPTE. It resorted all sort of repressive measures like dismissals, suspensions, removals, disciplinary charges etc against the leaders and cadres of the mighty National Federation of Post & Telegraph Employees.
The Government recognized FNPTO after the 1968 Strike and amidst derecognition of NFPTE and under repressive victimization with all patronage duly the declared the end of realignment scheme. Thereafter during Janata regime, the most corrupted Minister Sri. Brijlal Verma has recognized BPTEF on political consideration. After bifurcation of Postal & Telecom, the NFPTE in Postal was renamed and called as National Federation of Postal Employees.
However, the NFPTE/NFPE survived and flourished despite the existence of FNPO & BPEF. The NFPE has never compromised its character and still it is having more than sixty five percent work force in its fold in the Postal.
NFPE with its glorious history and tradition is determined to serve the Postal workers to improve the economic and service conditions and continue to serve as a vanguard of the Central Government employees movement as a whole.
NFPTE recognized the need of overall unity of C. G. employees and because of that the Confederation of Central Government employees was formed on Com. Dada Ghosh's initiative to make the 1957 strike action a resounding success.
NFPTE raised the issue of economic freedom for P& T employees first. It sought the removal of disparities in leave, medical rules etc between class III and class IV. The NFPTE demanded appointment of second Pay commission and pleaded the concept of economic freedom as per the 15th ILC decision on a need based minimum wage.
The historic one day strike on 19.09.1984 by P4 on ED demands has cutting the ice of doubt about the possibility of conducting strikes in Central Government services after 1968 & 1974 which faced lot of victimization and repressive measures against the striking comrades and it proved the revival and militancy of Postal Comrades after 1968.
NFPE become the spokesman, fighter and defender of the interests of the entire Central Government employees. It has faith in negotiations failing which it settles issues by struggle. NFPE is having nation's interest and it has actively participated in all the struggles against the Neo economic policies and Liberalization, Globalization, Privatization etc.
NFPE has built its own port with blood, sweat, tears and sacrifice as bricks, lime and stones which could not be demolished even in the dark days of emergency despite several concessions were extended to scab unions. It never happened to any other unions that the journals of NFPTE & its unions were burnt in transit during Emergency days and leaders were put behind the bars. But the NFPTE/NFPE has survived and emerged more stronger and stronger and united.
NFPTE reached agreement in 1974 on 20% promotional avenue for P & T workers. It was successful in getting 16 holidays plus two restricted holidays for the P & T operative staff. NFPTE was first resolved demanding Bonus to C. G. employees and it was achieved. NFPTE was the reason behind in achieving two promotions when no such promotion was available to C. G. employees.
Now NFPE after the P& T bifurcation through its affiliates shall remain as the most representative body embracing all cadres. There is a total unity among the affiliates and work together for the betterment of Postal brethren.
NFPE has survived and grown despite various attacks by the Government and bureaucracy because of its determination to maintain rock-like unity at the base, take decisions by consensus. Mostly some self centered vested interests who could not come out successful in election process alone deserted from this movement for their personal ambitious and wishes by kicking the ladder by which they were elevated and become taken prey for petty reasons.
NFPE enjoys a unique stature in the fraternity of the Working class. It has been pursuing a broad based policy and taking decision by consensus on all occasions. It always aim to build organizational unity and a united approach. Our policies towards the Government and Department are neither from fear nor for favours but varies from issue to issue.
The deep rooted traditions, sentiments, confidence and loyalty of the members led the NFPE with more strength to serve the workers better. NFPE is the movement built by sacrifice of so many martyrs. Not only, it is the major Federation, it is deep routed in the sentiments of all workers.
Let us strengthen our organization with more membership in the current verification. The Postal Three, the intellectual affiliate of NFPE will prove its second none by upholding its banner with increased membership.
Of course! It is possible! Approach each and every member who are new entrants! Appraise our history commitment and no compromise in settlement of staff problems. Approach the old comrades who deserted from us to various reasons and seek their re-enrolment for the better tomorrow. Let us strengthen our movement more in organizationally which will gain more bargaining power. If each member is motivated with this task, certainly every thing is possible.
Organise, organise and organise.
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