KOLKATA: While the managements of information technology (IT) and information technology-enabled services [ITeS] units here might be anxious over the proposed association for their employees, under the tutelage of the Centre of Indian Trade Unions [CITU], union leaders say that there is no need for alarm, as formation of "such associations or unions does not mean that there will be strike every day."

The "anxiety" should not be construed as "panic," a spokesperson of the organiser of a recent conclave here of nearly 80 representatives from the IT and ITES industries told The Hindu on Thursday.

"In some call centres, the [working] conditions are questioned. In those cases we will re-look at our work practices," he said.

At the conclave, the industries hoped that all association activities would be carried out within the ambit of law and without any coercion.

CITU's State secretary Kali Ghosh told The Hindu "the trade union movement is not irresponsible." Any concern over the setting up of a West Bengal IT Services Association (WBITSA) stemmed from the fact that "certain managements do not abide by the labour laws."

Not registered

Moreover, the association was not a registered trade union, he said.

Many management representatives reiterated that the companies could take care of their employees much better than anyone else and each could ably handle its affairs.

"If they do abide by the labour laws, then they should have no problems with the setting up of unions or associations in the sector," Mr. Ghosh said.

There are nearly 250 IT and ITES units in the State, employing around 30,000 people. Most of them are concentrated in the Salt Lake Sector V, where the WBITSA is to be formally launched on November 14.

The Bengal Chamber of Commerce and Industry that organised the conclave has agreed to help the smaller companies, whenever required, "in carrying out employee satisfaction surveys."

On the question of according the IT sector the status of an essential service, Mr. Ghosh said, "though there are several companies which have a continuous work process, the sector cannot be considered an essential service the way hospitals are. But we are open to discuss the matter [with the State Government]."

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