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 G.
Sanjeeva Reddy the president of Indian National
Trade Union Congress (INTUC), a staunch supporter
of reforms and liberalisation, enjoys the support of
at least a thousand employees' unions all over India.
Born in Hyderabad in 1928, Sanjeeva Reddy with little
elementary education, actively participated in the Hyderabad
freedom struggle. A protégée of Harish Chandra Heda,
the founder of INTUC, he is a self made man.
Drawn to the trade union activity way back in 1948,
he waged a war against the Birla's, on behalf of employees
of Sirpur Mills situated in Adilabad district
of Andhra Pradesh. After this there was no looking back
for him. By 1950 he was ele cted
president of Allwyn, VST, Zinda Tilismat, DBR Mills,
some of the leading industries of Hyderabad. At
present he is not only the president of numerous trade
and employees' unions, but also of the national INTUC.
His expertise in National and International Trade
Union Laws is a boon to the working class. This
has made him a much sought after authority on the subject.
He played a key role in reaching the historic tripartite
agreement in 1997 that enabled the Andhra Pradesh government
to implement the reforms in Power sector. Today,
the state is globally looked upon as a model for implementing
reforms, especially in the power sector. Today, Rajasthan,
Karnataka and Madhya Pradesh who have power
reforms on their anvil are taking Sanjeeva Reddy's 'tripartite'
agreement as a model. Some other states have adopted
it also.
His achievements are also internationally recognised.
He is responsible for convincing Mrs Margaret Thatcher,
the then Prime Minister of Britain, to put an end
to the famous Coal Mine strike in Britain in
1980s. His first priority has always been the welfare
of employees. He believes that all problems can be solved
through discussions. He opines that strikes and lockouts
cannot solve workers' problems. His conviction in amicably
arrived peace has helped him avoid taking stances of
confrontation.
Having gathered rich experience by holding significant
positions in various National and International Trade
Union Councils and his expertise in labour related
subjects, he is a regular invitee at national and international
seminars and workshops related to trade unions. At 72,
this soft spoken and media shy trade unionist is still
eager to work for the working class.
MILE STONES:
1955-Elected President of APINTUC
1968-Appointed Labour minister of A.P.
1983-Elected Vice President of ICFTU (International
Confederation of Free Trade Unions)
1994-Elected President of All India INTUC
2000-Elected President of South Asia Regional
Cooperation's Trade Union Council
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