The 8th tri-yearly conference of the "Paschim Bango Dugdha Silpa Sramik Karmachari Union" (Ichhamati Unit) was observed with vigor and due enthusiasm, today i.e. on 10th July'2010 at the Bangaon Lodge, Chakdah Road, Bangaon. About 75 delegates of the unit were present in the conference. Distinguished leaders from different fraternal organization graced the occasion. General Secretary of the "West Bengal State Dairy Employees' Federation" (WBSDEF) was present in the conference as the Chief Guest. Com Gadadhar Kundu from Kishan Employees' Union and Com Tapas Pal, Treasurer of WBSDEF were also present in the conference.
The conference started at 12 noon by hoisting the Flag of the organization and paying homage to the mater. Chief Guest of the conference hoisted the Red Flag and garlanded the Sahid Bedi in commemoration of the marter. All the delegates, guests, invitees and representatives took part in the program by saluting the Red Flag and paying homage to the mater. The most striking feature of the conference was two respected women board members of the Ichhamati Milk Union attended the conference as guests. Presence of the board members in the dairy workers trade union conference as was indeed very significant and a matter cooperation. Which of course brought new fervor and colour to the occasion. A deep sense of underlying solidarity amongst the workers and the peasants was another striking thing which deserves much appreciation. After the hoisting of flag and paying homage, a three member presidium was formed to conduct the proceedings of the conference.
Com Krishanu Mallick, chairperson presidium requested Com Abhijit Roy, Chief Guest to light up the candles as a mark of inauguration of the conference and deliver his inaugural speech. Com Roy delivered his inaugural welcome speech and requested all delegates & representatives to discuss all issues at length without accusing each other for any fault of any individual. He invited newer proposals from the participants in view to consolidate our unity and future strength. Com Dipak Roy, Genl. Secy Ichhamati Unit placed the secretarial report before the conference and invited tread beer discussion on the report. Com Jayanta Acharya, Treasurer placed the Asset & liability account of the unit before the conference and approval of the same after necessary discussion.
About 10 delegates spoke on the report and almost every participant of the conference was very much involved in the intense discussion which took place. Some of the delegates criticized the way the trade union functioned for the last three years. Some of the delegates was very much critical about the motives of the permanent employees and questioned why the participation of the permanent employees are so low in the conference. Some delegates reported that they have been transfer to far long places as punishment by the management due to their trade union activism. Most of the delegates informed that they are very poorly paid, as low as Rs 2500/- per month, and have to work over 8 hrs a day and does not get leave even in case of emergency. Almost everyone those who took part in the discussion emphasized the
issue of increase in pay & allowances including permanency of job. A large section of the participants referred that despite the best efforts of the leadership of the "WBSDEF" no much headway or progress has been made. Some of the representatives questioned the seriousness of the state leadership on this issue. Non payment of monthly subscriptions of trade union on regular basis was also discussed. It has been discussed that at present Ichhamati Unit has 95 registered members and the present rate of monthly subscription is Rs 10/- only. This attitude of non payment of union subscription on part of the members were highly criticized. Representatives of different dairy trade unions also spook in the conference and informed that the present political situation of our state is very much volatile. The working class is the greatest sufferer. They cautioned and requested everyone to be vigil that the dairy workers unity can't be compromised at any cost. Senior leaders of the unit like Com Mukunda Mondal took active part in the discussion and informed about the magnitude and nature of struggle Ichhamati unit did in the past and the scarifies made by the members of the yesteryears. Com Mondal emphasized that the division of permanent and non permanent employees are drifting the trade union from it's main objectives yet to be achieved and hindering the unity of the members as a whole. Com Ajij Mondal described the objectives of the "Paschim Bongo Dugdha Silpa Sramik Karmachari Union" and compulsions behind forming such a organization at this juncture of time.
He requested members not to mingle with the management just to save the their job. He expressed that it is the united struggle of the dairy workers still remains the only guarantee against job loss. And nothing else. Com Dipak Roy in his review speech congratulated the delegates and guests for participating in the discussion. Thereafter Com Dipak Roy readout the proposed names of the 21 member Ichhamati Unit committee for the coming year. After a sort discussion with few changes the list of the 21 member Unit committee including the secretarial report with accounts was unanimously passed and accepted by the conference. Com Jayanta Acharjee was elected as the convener of the unit committee. Com Chief Guest in his concluding speech described the present scenario of the dairy industry particularly after the post liberalization era in the international, national and regional level and informed about the present policies of the multinational companies and government as well. In conclusion he urged the members that we have no other alternative but to struggle unitedly.
Com Chairman in concluding the conference once again welcomed everyone for participating in the discussion generously. The Conference concluded with the vote of thanks to the chair.
