Relay Strike!

At the call of FMRAI, nearly 100 000 sales promotion workers began month long relay strike from 9th April'02. Based on 27 points Common Demands these workers resorted to strike for three days in each states which continued from one states to the other throughout the country. it will end by 9th May02.

So far 16 states have observed strike in three phases. marketing activities in theses states remained fully paralysed during the strike days. No salesman have visited any doctors, chemists, retailers, wholesalers during these days. No companies could held meetings/conferences or could work in the market with their executives. In many states associations of doctors, chemists, etc have supported this strike. First time, all Central Trade unions in the country have rel-eased press statement in support of this strike.

In all cities and towns striking workers picketed at the market place, hospitals and important institutions. One day before,the workers staged torchlight procession. On the concluding day large rally was staged and meetings were held which were addressed by doctors and trade union leaders.

Important demands are-

-All medical and sales representatives shall be recruited only in the permanent category directly under principal employees.

-All contract, casual, trainee sales representatives shall be categorised s medical and sales representatives with uniform service conditions in permanent category.

-No replacement of sales representatives even temporarily by the executives or by managers.

-Providing of job security in case of product transfer/purchase/acquisition of shares, merger of companies. No change of bargaining rights of the workers due the changes of employers.

- Employers should reduce work load, rationalise work system commensurate with job responsibility. No unilateral imposition of work system

- Implementation of all labour laws for sales promotion workers in all industries.

- Reducing the drug prices.

- Stop import of hazardous drugs and ensure supply of essential drugs.

- No change in the Indian Patents Act, 1970

-Institute enquiry on corrupt practices in supply of medicines by the drug companies