UNION ACTIVITIES-CONTINUATION

Before joining new Nungambakkam Branch, I went to Parent Union office expressed my disappointment over the transfer to the General Secretary V.Ganesan, as I was interested get posting to Madras Main Branch, as two of my colleagues, K.Sankaran from Madurai posted to and R. Chakravarthy from Pondicherry posted to Madras Main Branch. The General Secretary convinced me that they prefer me to transfer to Nungambakkam branch. They also highlighted the advantages of moving there as the Nungambakkam Branch is a prestige Branch fully air conditioned (which at that point of time was rare and most sought after), the second in India with regards to the best customer service and model branch for the circle. Trichy Balu sir told his colleague at Madurai branch is also at Nungambakkam. His name is Shri M.Gopal and our General Secretary Ganesan also told me to get guidance from him.

The Branch developed very fast in 5 years and the staff strength raised from 10 to 50 members.
I became the Unit Secretary in December 1969 to 1974 and myself and Gopal decided to make M.K.Moorthy who became popular in the Branch. He became the very successful secretary and holding the post for more than 18 years. The branch became the very powerful unit in the City and enjoyed the attention of the direct control of Parent Union.

Myself and M.K.Moorthy habituated to visit the Parent Union on saturdays and had interactions with the other branch unit secretaries which became a regular feature and generated very good response with the whole hearted support of the General Secretary. Exchange of views and debates and discussions gave wonderful reactions and many issues solved easily. As every thing going smoothly, very great problem for the Trade Union Movement when the Emergency was declared by the then Prime Minister. Nearly Two to two and half years of rule of thumb, union activities were restricted but the spirits burning inside. When the Congress Party routed in the General Elections newly formed Janatha Party Came into power with Morarji Desai as Prime Minister and union activities came to light with full vigour. After some years we faced two major situations ( State Bank Staff Union) which I will take up in my next blog.

1.Conflict in Leadership
2. Ruthless attack on Trade Union by the C.G.M. K.D.Nayar