Punjab State Committee of Indian Federation of Trade Unions (IFTU) held a state level convention against WTO in Deshbhagat Yadgar Hall, Jalandhar on May 6, 2001. Over 1500 workers from different districts participated in the Convention which included workers from brick-kilns, textile mills, electricity board and FCI.

On behalf of the National Committee of IFTU, Com. D. V. Krishna, General Secretary and Com. Saifuddin, Vice-president participated. Besides, Com. S. S. Mahal, IFTU Punjab General Secretary Com. Raj Singh, Com. Gurmeet Singh, Com. Gulzar Singh, Com. Kulwinder Singh and leaders of Democratic Teachers Union and Pendu Mazdoor Union also addressed the Convention.

Addressing the Convention, Com. D.V. Krishna, outlining the ill-effects of new economic policies on the workers of different sectors, said that the preset decade is the decade of intensification of workers struggles. Giving examples from A.P. he mentioned the suicides by peasants and weavers and sale of children by the destitutes and said that the deteriorating conditions of the people could be easily understood by this. Mentioning the rising struggles of workers and other sections of the country he called upon the IFTU activists to devote themselves with full devotion and enthusiasm to intensify the workers struggle.

Mentioning the struggle of workers in European countries, Korea and USA, IFTU Vice-president Com. Saifuddin termed the present period as the time for increasing workers struggles. Mentioning Badal Govt. in Punjab and Budhadeb Bhattacharya led CPI(M) Govt. in West Bengal, he said that there is no difference among them on privatization and CPM Govt. is openly saying that “today development is the challenge, nor globalization.” He told the participants that Left Front Govt. in West Bengal is engaged in suppressing the militant movements of workers in the state.

Com. Saifuddin stressed that wherever workers have come out in struggle, they have gained some success.

The Convention venue resounded with the slogans of “Quit WTO”, Down with anti-people policies of NDA Govt. at the Centre and Akali Govt. in Punjab”, “Inquilab Zindabad” etc. Activists enthused the participants with revolutionary songs.

The Convention concluded amidst enthusiasm and firm determination. After the Convention, a rally was taken out from Deshbhagat Hall through the main streets of Jalandhar.