At very short notice I had to start for Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, to attend a meeting of the South East Asian Telecom Unions scheduled to be held on 20-21 December 2011. Though the invitation came at the last moment, I thought it is necessary to attend the same and proceeded by the afternoon of 19th instant.
But the journey was not easy. The flight was to start at 1405 hours, which was delayed first for one hour, then again for another hour due to the heavy fog. It took off at 1615 hours at last and reached Kathmandu by about 1800 hours. I had got a window seat on the left side of the plane so that I can see the Himalayan ranges. But that was not to be. Due to the sky not very clear, I could see only the faint image of the Himalayas. Anyhow, I have seen it clearly earlier.
There was not much delay in coming out of the Kathmandu Airport, since the entrants from India and other SAARC countries are allowed without much hassle. After having a cup of coffee, I found the agent from the Hotel Himalayas displaying my name in a paper board. I got in his vehicle and reached the Hotel Himalayas, where some delegates to the meeting had already arrived.
Hotel Himalayas is a star hotel with all connected facilities. I was taken to my room and intimated that the dinner is ready in the restaurant. It was already 1930 hours and after refreshing myself, went for dinner. The organiser Mr. Kun Wardana Abyoto, Director, Telecom/ICTS UNI was there. I enquired about the details of the meeting from tomorrow and he explained everything. Mr Kun is from Indonesia and the interaction was pleasant.
Outside, it was very cold, just like Delhi, but inside the room, the temperature was comfortable. I tried to open the internet, but being out of India, the data card did not function. I had a good rest by going early to bed.
The Council Meeting starts
On the morning on 20th, I wanted to go for a morning walk, but it was very cold and I thought it better to stay inside. After the break-fast, the meeting started at 0930 hours. (By the way the Nepal Standard Time is 15 minutes in advance of IST). There were about 30 delegates, including from Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. Pakistan delegate could not come due to certain difficulties at home. Mr. Christopher N.G., Regional Secretary, UNI Global Union, Ms. Olga Vinogradova, UNI Global Policy Officer from Russia, Mr. Bjorn Lynd, Head of International Affairs from Finland, Shankar Lamichane, General Secretary, UNI Global and Mr. Sharan K.C., Trade Union Solidarity Centre were present. Delegates from Nepal included leaders from all the four telecom unions. From India, in addition to me Com. Prasad, from Bangalore was there. Com. Asok Karn, President of the Telecom Employees Association of Nepal (TEAN) presided.
After welcome and Presidential address, the printed report of the Director was presented by Mr. (or Brother as used by UNI), Kun Wardana with certain opening remarks. Mr. Christopher spoke afterwards with certain suggestion on the social dialogue the unions have to initiate.
After tea-break, the delegates from the various unions were requested to present their reports. First all the four unions from Nepal gave their presentation. Two unions represented the Nepal Telecom Employees, one represented the workers of the Nepal Telecom Authority employees and the last represented the Ncell ( a private company) employees. From the report, it was clear that the telecom workers in Nepal was well organised. It was a pleasant surprise that after all these unions presented their reports, an announcement was made on the spot that all these unions have formed a coordinating committee, UNI TEL, to work together on common issues.
Next report was made by Mr. Prasad, from India, who has been organising the telecom workers in the private sector. He pointed out the difficulty while organising the workers in Uninor (Telenor). The workers in the private sector are afraid of retrenchment and harassment, if the management gets wind of the formation of union.
Next was my turn. I thanked the organisers for inviting BSNLEU, even though it is not affiliated with UNI. I gave a written note, which was circulated by the organisers at the time of my speech, and explained the telecom sector issues as also the union activities. The struggles organised by the union and JAC were also briefed. Our fight against VRS and privatisation was pointed out. Many clarifications were sought by the delegates which were answered by me. The house appreciated much the report from BSNLEU.
The meeting was adjourned for next day, since it was almost 1800 hours by the time. A party was hoisted by the host Nepalese Unions, during which the delegates could interact with each other and get a lot of information about the union functioning in other countries. During the party, I could meet many comrades from the TEAN (Telecom Employees Association of Nepal) with whom BSNLEU had very close relation. Coms. Thankalal Shreshtha, former President of the union and a member of the Board of Directors of Nepal Telecommunications, former President Com. were all there. Today also I retired early to sleep. (to be continued)
South East Asian Telecom Unions meet at Kathmandu
At very short notice I had to start for Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, to attend a meeting of the South East Asian Telecom unions scheduled to be held on 20-21 December 2011. Though the invitation came at the last moment, I thought it is necessary to attend the same and proceeded by the afternoon of 19th instant.
But the journey was not easy that way. The flight was to start at 1405 hours, which was delayed first for one hour, then again for another hour due to the heavy fog. It took off at 1615 hours at last and reached Kathmandu by about 1800 hours. I had got a window seat on the left side of the plane so that I can see the Himalayan ranges. But that was not to be. Due to the sky not very clear, I could see only the faint image of the Himalayas. Anyhow, I have seen it clearly earlier.
There was not much delay in coming out of the Kathmandu Airport, since the entrants from India and other SAARC countries are allowed without much hassle. After having a cup of coffee, I found the agent from the Hotel Himalayas displaying my name in a paper board. I got in his vehicle and reached the Hotel Himalayas, where some delegates to the meeting had already arrived.
Hotel Himalayas is a five star hotel with all connected facilities. I was taken to my room and intimated that the dinner is ready in the restaurant. It was already 1930 hours and after refreshing myself, went for dinner. The organiser Mr. Kun Wardana Abyoto, Director, Telecom/ICTS UNI was there. I enquired about the details of the meeting from tomorrow and he explained everything. Mr Kun is from Indonesia and the interaction was pleasant.
Outside, it was very cold, just like Delhi, but inside the room the temperature was comfortable. I tried to open the internet, but being out of India, the data card did not function. I had a good rest by going early to bed.
The Council Meeting starts
On the morning on 20th, I wanted to go for a morning walk, but it was very cold and I thought it better to stay inside. After the break-fast, the meeting started at 0930 hours. (By the way the Nepal Standard Time is 15 minutes in advance of IST). There were about 30 delegates, including from Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. Pakistan delegate could not come due to certain difficulties at home. Mr. Christopher N.G., Regional Secretary, UNI Global Union, Ms. Olga Vinogradova, UNI Global Policy Officer from Russia, Mr. Bjorn Lynd, Head of International Affairs from Finland, Shankar Lamichane, General Secretary, UNI Global and Mr. Sharan K.C., Trade Union Solidarity Centre were present. Delegates from India included leaders from all the four telecom unions. Com. Asok Karn, President of the Telecom Employees Association of Nepal (TEAN) presided.
After welcome and Presidential address, the printed report of the Director was presented by Mr. (or Brother as used by UNI), Kun Wardana with certain opening remarks. Mr. Christopher spoke afterwards with certain suggestion on the social dialogue the unions have to initiate.
After tea-break, the delegates from the various unions were requested to present their reports. First all the four unions from Nepal gave their presentation. Two unions represented the Nepal Telecom Employees, one represented the workers of the Nepal Telecom Authority employees and the last represented the Ncell ( a private company) employees. From the report, it was clear that the telecom workers in Nepal was well organised. It was a pleasant surprise that after all these unions presented their reports, an announcement was made on the spot that all these unions have formed a co-ordinating committee, UNI TEL, to work together on common issues.
Next report was made by Mr. Prasad, from India, who has been organising the telecom workers in the private sector. He pointed out the difficulty while organising the workers in Uninor (Telenor). The workers in the private sector are afraid of retrenchment and harassment, if the management gets wind of the formation of union.
Next was my turn. I thanked the organisers for inviting BSNLEU, even though it is not affiliated with UNI. I gave a written note, which was circulated by the organisers at the time of my speech, and explained the telecom sector issues as also the union activities. The struggles organised by the union and JAC were also briefed. Our fight against VRS and privatisation was pointed out. Many clarifications were sought by the delegates which were answered by me. The house appreciated much the report from BSNLEU.
The meeting was adjourned for next day, since it was almost 1800 hours by the time. A party was hoisted by the host Nepalese Unions, during which the delegates could interact with each other and get a lot of information about the union functioning in other countries. During the party, I could meet many comrades from the TEAN (Telecom Employees Association of Nepal) with whom BSNLEU had very close relation. Coms. Thankalal Shreshtha, former President of the union and a member of the Board of Directors of Nepal Telecommunications, former President Com. were all there.
South East Asian Telecom Unions meet at Kathmandu
At very short notice I had to start for Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, to attend a meeting of the South East Asian Telecom unions scheduled to be held on 20-21 December 2011. Though the invitation came at the last moment, I thought it is necessary to attend the same and proceeded by the afternoon of 19th instant.
But the journey was not easy that way. The flight was to start at 1405 hours, which was delayed first for one hour, then again for another hour due to the heavy fog. It took off at 1615 hours at last and reached Kathmandu by about 1800 hours. I had got a window seat on the left side of the plane so that I can see the Himalayan ranges. But that was not to be. Due to the sky not very clear, I could see only the faint image of the Himalayas. Anyhow, I have seen it clearly earlier.
There was not much delay in coming out of the Kathmandu Airport, since the entrants from India and other SAARC countries are allowed without much hassle. After having a cup of coffee, I found the agent from the Hotel Himalayas displaying my name in a paper board. I got in his vehicle and reached the Hotel Himalayas, where some delegates to the meeting had already arrived.
Hotel Himalayas is a five star hotel with all connected facilities. I was taken to my room and intimated that the dinner is ready in the restaurant. It was already 1930 hours and after refreshing myself, went for dinner. The organiser Mr. Kun Wardana Abyoto, Director, Telecom/ICTS UNI was there. I enquired about the details of the meeting from tomorrow and he explained everything. Mr Kun is from Indonesia and the interaction was pleasant.
Outside, it was very cold, just like Delhi, but inside the room the temperature was comfortable. I tried to open the internet, but being out of India, the data card did not function. I had a good rest by going early to bed.
The Council Meeting starts
On the morning on 20th, I wanted to go for a morning walk, but it was very cold and I thought it better to stay inside. After the break-fast, the meeting started at 0930 hours. (By the way the Nepal Standard Time is 15 minutes in advance of IST). There were about 30 delegates, including from Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. Pakistan delegate could not come due to certain difficulties at home. Mr. Christopher N.G., Regional Secretary, UNI Global Union, Ms. Olga Vinogradova, UNI Global Policy Officer from Russia, Mr. Bjorn Lynd, Head of International Affairs from Finland, Shankar Lamichane, General Secretary, UNI Global and Mr. Sharan K.C., Trade Union Solidarity Centre were present. Delegates from India included leaders from all the four telecom unions. Com. Asok Karn, President of the Telecom Employees Association of Nepal (TEAN) presided.
After welcome and Presidential address, the printed report of the Director was presented by Mr. (or Brother as used by UNI), Kun Wardana with certain opening remarks. Mr. Christopher spoke afterwards with certain suggestion on the social dialogue the unions have to initiate.
After tea-break, the delegates from the various unions were requested to present their reports. First all the four unions from Nepal gave their presentation. Two unions represented the Nepal Telecom Employees, one represented the workers of the Nepal Telecom Authority employees and the last represented the Ncell ( a private company) employees. From the report, it was clear that the telecom workers in Nepal was well organised. It was a pleasant surprise that after all these unions presented their reports, an announcement was made on the spot that all these unions have formed a co-ordinating committee, UNI TEL, to work together on common issues.
Next report was made by Mr. Prasad, from India, who has been organising the telecom workers in the private sector. He pointed out the difficulty while organising the workers in Uninor (Telenor). The workers in the private sector are afraid of retrenchment and harassment, if the management gets wind of the formation of union.
Next was my turn. I thanked the organisers for inviting BSNLEU, even though it is not affiliated with UNI. I gave a written note, which was circulated by the organisers at the time of my speech, and explained the telecom sector issues as also the union activities. The struggles organised by the union and JAC were also briefed. Our fight against VRS and privatisation was pointed out. Many clarifications were sought by the delegates which were answered by me. The house appreciated much the report from BSNLEU.
The meeting was adjourned for next day, since it was almost 1800 hours by the time. A party was hoisted by the host Nepalese Unions, during which the delegates could interact with each other and get a lot of information about the union functioning in other countries. During the party, I could meet many comrades from the TEAN (Telecom Employees Association of Nepal) with whom BSNLEU had very close relation. Coms. Thankalal Shreshtha, former President of the union and a member of the Board of Directors of Nepal Telecommunications, former President Com. were all there.
South East Asian Telecom Unions meet at Kathmandu
At very short notice I had to start for Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, to attend a meeting of the South East Asian Telecom unions scheduled to be held on 20-21 December 2011. Though the invitation came at the last moment, I thought it is necessary to attend the same and proceeded by the afternoon of 19th instant.
But the journey was not easy that way. The flight was to start at 1405 hours, which was delayed first for one hour, then again for another hour due to the heavy fog. It took off at 1615 hours at last and reached Kathmandu by about 1800 hours. I had got a window seat on the left side of the plane so that I can see the Himalayan ranges. But that was not to be. Due to the sky not very clear, I could see only the faint image of the Himalayas. Anyhow, I have seen it clearly earlier.
There was not much delay in coming out of the Kathmandu Airport, since the entrants from India and other SAARC countries are allowed without much hassle. After having a cup of coffee, I found the agent from the Hotel Himalayas displaying my name in a paper board. I got in his vehicle and reached the Hotel Himalayas, where some delegates to the meeting had already arrived.
Hotel Himalayas is a five star hotel with all connected facilities. I was taken to my room and intimated that the dinner is ready in the restaurant. It was already 1930 hours and after refreshing myself, went for dinner. The organiser Mr. Kun Wardana Abyoto, Director, Telecom/ICTS UNI was there. I enquired about the details of the meeting from tomorrow and he explained everything. Mr Kun is from Indonesia and the interaction was pleasant.
Outside, it was very cold, just like Delhi, but inside the room the temperature was comfortable. I tried to open the internet, but being out of India, the data card did not function. I had a good rest by going early to bed.
The Council Meeting starts
On the morning on 20th, I wanted to go for a morning walk, but it was very cold and I thought it better to stay inside. After the break-fast, the meeting started at 0930 hours. (By the way the Nepal Standard Time is 15 minutes in advance of IST). There were about 30 delegates, including from Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. Pakistan delegate could not come due to certain difficulties at home. Mr. Christopher N.G., Regional Secretary, UNI Global Union, Ms. Olga Vinogradova, UNI Global Policy Officer from Russia, Mr. Bjorn Lynd, Head of International Affairs from Finland, Shankar Lamichane, General Secretary, UNI Global and Mr. Sharan K.C., Trade Union Solidarity Centre were present. Delegates from India included leaders from all the four telecom unions. Com. Asok Karn, President of the Telecom Employees Association of Nepal (TEAN) presided.
After welcome and Presidential address, the printed report of the Director was presented by Mr. (or Brother as used by UNI), Kun Wardana with certain opening remarks. Mr. Christopher spoke afterwards with certain suggestion on the social dialogue the unions have to initiate.
After tea-break, the delegates from the various unions were requested to present their reports. First all the four unions from Nepal gave their presentation. Two unions represented the Nepal Telecom Employees, one represented the workers of the Nepal Telecom Authority employees and the last represented the Ncell ( a private company) employees. From the report, it was clear that the telecom workers in Nepal was well organised. It was a pleasant surprise that after all these unions presented their reports, an announcement was made on the spot that all these unions have formed a co-ordinating committee, UNI TEL, to work together on common issues.
Next report was made by Mr. Prasad, from India, who has been organising the telecom workers in the private sector. He pointed out the difficulty while organising the workers in Uninor (Telenor). The workers in the private sector are afraid of retrenchment and harassment, if the management gets wind of the formation of union.
Next was my turn. I thanked the organisers for inviting BSNLEU, even though it is not affiliated with UNI. I gave a written note, which was circulated by the organisers at the time of my speech, and explained the telecom sector issues as also the union activities. The struggles organised by the union and JAC were also briefed. Our fight against VRS and privatisation was pointed out. Many clarifications were sought by the delegates which were answered by me. The house appreciated much the report from BSNLEU.
The meeting was adjourned for next day, since it was almost 1800 hours by the time. A party was hoisted by the host Nepalese Unions, during which the delegates could interact with each other and get a lot of information about the union functioning in other countries. During the party, I could meet many comrades from the TEAN (Telecom Employees Association of Nepal) with whom BSNLEU had very close relation. Coms. Thankalal Shreshtha, former President of the union and a member of the Board of Directors of Nepal Telecommunications, former President Com. were all there.
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