Concerned over the flight of talent from public sector undertakings to private sector, officers of profit making public sector units have threatened to go on an indefinite strike from December 22 seeking higher salaries.
PSUs in oil, coal/mines, steel, telecom and power sectors contribute around 80 per cent revenue of the national exchequer in terms of taxes, duties and cess, the Oil Sector Officers' Association, part of the umbrella Officers' Association of Central PSUs, said in a statement.
"Public sectors are merely being used as a training ground... it is now important for the PSUs to attract and retain the talent," it said.
The Association demanded merger of 50 per cent DA with basic pay with retrospective effect from January 1, 2005, release of lumpsum ad-hoc payment pending discussions with next pay panel for salary revision, removal of ceiling on payment of gratuity and removal of 50 per cent ceiling on allowances.
"Despite categorical and repeated assurances from the Prime Minister and the ministries concerned nothing tangible has been done so far on the issue," it said, adding lower remuneration package was leading to exodus of talented personnel to private sector.
The officers would hold a demonstration in front of Parliament on December 5 followed by a 12-hour dharna at Rajghat on December 12.
"If issues are not settled by the government by December 21, the officers of the CPSUs will be forced to go on indefinite strike from December 22," the release said.
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