V.A.N.Namboodiri, Convener, Forum of BSNL Unions/Associations has issued the following statement: Indefinite Strike by BSNL Workers from 13th June 2012 BSNL executives and non-executives will resort to Indefinite Strike from 13th June 2012 demanding settlement of their long pending demands. The strike is being organised under the Forum of BSNL Unions/Associations including 18 All India unions/associations in BSNL. The main demand is that the government and DPE orders granting 78.2% IDA merger in the pay, which was ordered in 2009, should be implemented without any further delay. While most of the PSUs and the government have already implemented full neutralisation for the cost in living, but BSNL management is denying the same for its employees without any justification. The matter was discussed several times with the CMD BSNL, but no positive action has been taken by the management causing irreparable loss to the employees in salary, allowances and pension. The various allowances for BSNL employees have not been revised since V Central Pay Commission in 1996. Even in the Wage settlement and revision w.e.f. 01-01-2007, the allowances were not revised. It was assured that this will be reviewed after 5 years. Five years are over but no revision. In contrast, BSNL had even curtailed the Medical Allowance, LTC and Encashment of salary causing much loss to the employees. But at the same time the top level officers, non-absorbed ITSs, who are on deputation, are given increased Transport Allowance and other 14 allowances. While the Transport Allowance to top ITS officers are increased to Rs.10,000 or more, the lowest level employees are getting only Rs. 300. Discrimination is increasing. The superannuation benefits of the newly BSNL recruited employees are yet to be finalised by the management. While Child Care Leave is granted to non-optee ITS officers, it is denied to the BSNL employees. Even after the Delhi High Court directed to finalise the relieving of DOT-Opted ITS officers who are on deputation to BSNL, they are yet to be relieved causing extreme uncertainty about the development and expansion of the services. One of the main reason for the loss of revenue and profit to BSNL is the inefficiency of the top level management, who consists mainly of ITS non-absorbees, in addition to the anti-PSU policy of the government. The Forum of BSNL Unions calls upon all the BSNL workers to participate in the strike and make it a complete success. It is not only to settle the justified demands of the workers, but for a better service to the people. (Courtsey : Ganashakti)
Make the Strike full success – Forum of BSNL Unions / Associations
09 Saturday Jun 2012
Posted in BSNL - Better Service to the Nation
VAN Namboodiri's Blog 
Decision taken by joint forum to go for an indefinite strike is a good decision, but the forum leader should know that while a conciliation proceeding is in progress a strike can be declared as illegal and unjustified ( as per ID Act 1947) by the management. And I don’t think they can continue the strike for more than 48hrs.BSNLEU on the name of joint forum fighting a shadow war for a unwanted lot in the present scenario.
Dear Com. Debashish Chakraborty,
You are perfectly right when you say that during conciliation process, strike is not allowed. In fact there are a number of laws which prohibit strike of the central government employees and PSU employees. But strikes have taken place, despite these orders and laws. In 1960 and 1968 more than 30 lakh CG Employees went on strike despite Essential Service Maintenance Ordinance/ Essential Service Act. In 1974, it was not different. Even otherwise, striking work is in violation of conduct rules. At the same time there are many rules including that of ILO sanctioning strike. Strike has continued for 22 days in 1974 and 5 days in 1960. Strike continued for 2 days in December 2010 under JAC. The leaders of 18 unions are unanimous party to the strike decision and I hope you are not trying to ridicule them for the strike decision. In fact today I have seen that one more union has decided to join the strike called by the Forum, making the number to 19. I am hoping that if there is any other union which has not decided so far, will be taking a positive decision.I hope you are a member of BSNLEU and as such you know, how we were going on struggle in violation of rules and acts whenever it was necessary.
Dear Com. Senan,
Union does not bet. This is applicable to strike issues also. Settlement of issues depend upon so many factors including the justification of the demand, strength of the unions, attitude of the managmement, timing of the struggle, the existing situation, the support of the people etc. etc. The duty of the leadership is to mobilise the workers and ensure maximum strike as also hard bargaining with the management. And one more thing. No strike goes in vain, whether the demand is achieved or not. The Indefinite strike in 1960 by more than 30 lakh workers were unconditionally withdrawn after 5 days even when thousands were in jail, dismissed, suspended and so on as the government attacked the workers with all its might. But the result came after years. In 1974 the Railway workers and CG Employees went on Indefinite Strike on the demand of Bonus. After 22 days, unable to face the victimisation, the strike was called off. No settlement on Bonus. But the demand was achieved in 1977 and all CG employees got bonus. As stated earlier, no strike goes in vain, even if the demand is not settled then and there. The government is a mighty force and we are facing this government and its policies.Many of the settlement we get now are due to the struggles we conducted earlier.
Sir, please specify whether any change will occur in current DA after merging of 78.2% IDA ?
There will be no increase in the % of DA, but the amount will increase since the basic pay will increase if 78.2% is merged instead of 68.8%. So naturally there will be more benefit.
Will there any decrease in DA ?
There will be increase and it will be known within a few days.
is this 78 % IDA merger also for post 1.1.07 recited employee without any change in current IDA ?
78.2% IDA merger is for pre-2007 employees, but it will benefit all in future fixations.
Respected sir in shortly we can say no any benefit for post 1.1.2007 recuirted employee
The agreement is beneficial to all employees. Even for new recruitees it is beneficial since it has now been made a compulsion on the Management to necessarily do such fixation in future also.You have to understand that any benefit in general will be beneficial for all in future, even if not now. What about the position if somehow we are able to achieve 30% fixation to post 2007 employees also? A worker has to think in terms of the general achievement.
Respected sir as your so long experience wtih BSNL,As per your knowledge still how much time require to take BSNL Mangament to grant 30%fitment benefit for post 1.1.2007 recuirted exployee
Dear Comrade,
We are trying for the same, 30% or at least 5 additional increments. But you can not say when it will be conceded by the management. As I stated earlier, the anomaly in the wage conversion from CDA to IDA in 2000 is yet to be settled.We are trying to settle the same also for the last 7-8 years.Be active in the union and participate in all the activities of the same. Union is Strength is the old saying ant it is true now also.
The Forum has taken all these points in to consideration and has unanimously taken the strike decision.
Congradz..Com.Namboothiri, for withdrawing strike….
Dear Com. Sharma,
The strike is only deferred in view of the assurances by and agreement with the management on the demands. The Forum will be watching its strict implementation. It is the victory of the workers due to their struggle. The congratulations are due to the workers.
PLS LET ME KNOW IT THIS MERGER ALSO APPLICABLE FOR POST 2007 BSNL RECURITES. IF YES HOW?
PLS LET ME KNOW Is THIS MERGER ALSO APPLICABLE FOR POST 2007 BSNL RECURITES. IF YES HOW?
Kindly go through earlier postings in this blog. In brief, the merger will benefit everybody, in some cases later as the principle of full (100%) neutralisation will be granted in future also.