LTS 1st DAY REPORT

Dear Comrades,

A quick report of the first day of the ongoing round of LTS negotiations i.e, 15.09.2011:


Point No:1- Inclusion P.P. in fitment - Mgmt says they are O.K. with it, but fitment of 30% can not be given on the P.P. - Our demand is 30% should be given on P.P. also.

Point No:2- Additional Fitment (4.5%) - mgmt says it is not possible. But the protection clause will be written in draft. - We asked that it be paid inline with IOC.

Point No:3- Min Basic of RW-3 - Mgmt's offer is Rs.12,400/=. We asked that it is to be inline with IOC Max Basic of RW-6 - Mgmt says its old offer of Rs. 43K is sufficient. Had a prolonged and serious debate over the issue.

Point No:4- H.R.A. effective date - Mgmt says there is a loss of 23 months is for everyone and so is for us. We requested to implement it at least from Circular date to minimize the loss.

Point No:5- Cafeteria Approach - We contended  as such it is not really useful but in the wake of recent clarifications, it leads to heavy loss. Mgmt agrees to it to some extent and they hope the Ministry may make some favorable changes soon. So for now they advised to keep this issue aside.

Point No:6- Reduction of working hrs to 44 - We clarified that LTS cannot be signed without this. Mgmt says they understand the gravity and suggested that a date can be fixed and written in the draft for implementing the same. Advised us to negotiate with local mgmt. When we asked whether any further reduction of manpower is proposed, mgmt confirmed in affirmative. This issue needs further dialogue and careful deliberations.

There were many discussions over these issues; while there is no breakthrough on any, a positive note can be seen that mgmt is in favor of certain changes. We can only hope that these changes meet our aspirations.
                 
Other important issues like Conditions incl. OT formula will be discussed today on 16th.