Independent GRSE Workmen’s Union emerges as sole bargaining union

From the very beginning, the ruling party TMC-led trade unions tried to foil the election. Moreover, the leaders of TMC have created an atmosphere of terror amongst the workers of GRSE. The workers of GRSE continued their struggle for their fundamental right. PSI supported the union and sent several letters urging government agencies to respect the provisions of ILO Convention N^o 87 and to let workers at GRSE Ltd. hold free and fair elections of trade unions, in a peaceful way and without any obstruction.

Ultimately, the elections have been held by the officials of Registrar of Trade Unions Govt. of West Bengal on 27^th November 2013 in all the seven Units of GRSE in West Bengal. The independent CRSE Workmen’s Union secured 54% of the votes, the ruling party TMC-led union got 35%, CITU obtained 5% of votes and INTUC got only 6% of votes.

This victory of independent force will definitely boost the morale of workers who want to organize independently for their livelihood without any control of political parties.