Founding the New Trade Union Initiative
We the unions, representing the democratic urge of grassroots unions and belonging to all the progressive traditions of the Indian working class movement have come together in New Delhi on 5 and 6 March 2006,
Because we believe that,
The strength of the working class movement is built on solidarity, respect and democratic ethos amongst workers, their organisations and concern for the well being of all humanity. In the context of political and organisational fragmentation, this means, for us, unity of the trade union movement on the basis of independence from government, employers and political parties.
NTUI is built on this core principle of unity and is committed to expanding co-operative and federal relationships towards uniting the labour movement on democratic principles and bringing all workers outside the trade union movement into its fold.
And we commit ourselves to ensure that
NTUI shall become the voice and inspiration of working women and men, oppressed and discriminated, and physical and intellectual labour.
We shall act, decisively and militantly, at all times and on all occasions, to protect and expand their interest.
We are together in solidarity to transform society and the state with democratic and humane aspirations of the labour movement and to build a classless society.
And in this spirit and for advancing the cause of all working people we the founding unions adopt the constitution and constitute and found ourselves as the New Trade Union Initiative.
And call upon on all other unions that share our values and principles of democratic trade unions to consolidate under this initiative.
6 March 2006
Delhi