Editorial
SKOP 's Strike Call
By the time this leader gets published, the Sramik Karmachari Oikya Parishad (SKOP) may have enforced its planned dawn-to-dusk industrial hartal today. Unless, of course, a last-minute understanding between it and the government has been reached either for the programme's cancellation or postponement. Given the background of the SKOP's demands in the light of agreements previously reached between the two sides, the members of the labour and employees' organisation may have some grievances. The government may have taken its time in responding to the situation created by the SKOP's ultimatum for action announced two months ago. But they should have heeded the appeal for a deferment of the programme till the return of the prime minister.
Without going into the merit of their demands generally, we would like to concentrate just on one of these because it stands out. This is the issue of disinvestment of public sector industries which the SKOP is opposing tooth and nail. Does it not amount to questioning the government policy-- one that is also endorsed by the opposition and is decidedly a general global trend? When industrial production has been at its lowest, what right the trade union bodies have to hurt industrial productivity by strikes? In this context we can recall the offer Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has made about formation of co-operatives by the employees and taking over the disinvested industries. Why not think along the line, accept the offer, and help increase national productivity?
Since the SKOP has failed to show any interest in such a positive programme, should we assume that the labour unions are more inclined to throw their political weight around? This government came to power only a little over one year ago. Instead of co-operating with it, the SKOP seems to have opted for the conventional strike programme which, if pursued, is bound to cripple the industrial sector.
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