In a first, techies back blue collar workers' strike

Chennai: If you thought software professionals and associations are too self centered and keep themselves on high pedestal, think again.

For the first time, Forum for IT employees (FITE), which has been fighting with managements of various IT majors for the rights of the employees, shared dais with workers of Greaves Cotton Petrol Engine Unit of Gumudipoondi, near Chepauk stadium, on Sunday.

FITE is one of the many unions which has extended its support to the protestors. “This is the first time we are participating in a protest of industrial workers in public place,” said Tamil Nazar, general secretary of FITE, Chennai chapter and a former TCS employee.

There is lot in common between software professionals and industrial workers in many companies, he pointed out. “Management’s resistance against formation of union of employees, extracting more work, not following labour rules are some of the similar problems we face everywhere,” he said. FITE supported a woman IT employee, who was sacked, to get her job back in TCS last January.

During Sunday’s protest organised by democratic trade union centre, over 100 employees of Greaves Cotton Petrol Engine Unit participated.

“There have been various issues and victimizations faced by employees of Greaves Cotton. We addressed them and made them aware of the problems faced by employees of IT and ITES sector. We vowed to support their struggle in the future as well and stand with them shoulder to shoulder until their demands are met,” said Tamil Nazar

The workers have come to Chennai to get their problems noticed by a larger section of people and put forth their issues before the state government.

“According to the protesting workers, their confidence level also went up by our participation,” the FITE office bearer added.