The 4 lakh odd Defence Civilian Employees are on a warpath against the Government decision to convert the 41 Ordnance Factories into a Corporation/ Public Sector.
According to C Srikumar, General Secretary of the All India Defence Employees Federation (AIDEF)), “This decision of the Government will have serious implications on the National Security. “Make in India” cannot be achieved by destroying the 219 years old pioneer Defence Industry. The Country’s security cannot depend on private corporate and foreign Arms manufacturers.”
To register their protest and make the Government rethink its decision, the trade unions of the Defence Civilian Employees (AIDEF, INDWF, BPMS) have so far made over 15 representations to the authorities concerned including the President of India, Prime Minister and Defence Minister but has not got any favourable decision. Hence the trade unions have decided to go on an indefinite strike demanding the Government to withdraw its decision to Corporatize the Ordnance Factories.
The strike notice has been given to the Government on Aug 4, 2020, and preparations are now going on throughout the country for commencing the indefinite strike from Oct 12, 2020.
As a part of the preparatory programme, the 4 lakh Defence Civilian Employees throughout the Country observed “Save Defence Industry! Save Nation” day by holding massive demonstrations in spite of the COVID-19 threat and lockdown.