The casual/contract workers in BSNL Kerala Circle is on strike from 12th August on certain demands raised by them including implementation of social security measures like EPF, ESI etc. Despite the service being severely affected due to the participation of large number of workers in the strike, the management is adamant and has not started any discussion with their union. When the leaders of BSNLEU, the recognised union, contacted the CGM BSNL Kerala Circle, they were advised not to take up the issue of the contract workers, stating that the management has got no connection with the contract workers and it is only the contractor who is responsible for the payments etc.
The CGM Kerala Circle, better think again! The Government of India Acts and also the Orders issued by the CMD BSNL, clearly stipulates the role of the management. If the contractor does not implement the orderss, the management, the Principal Employer, is fully responsible for getting the orders implemented. The Labour Ministry orders provide even for imprisonment, if the provisions of the labour Acts are not implemented. It is also better to remember that the BSNL management in certain circles had to pay crores of rupees to the EPF as arrears of the Provident Fund of the contract workers.
Instead of taking an adamant stand, the circle BSNL Management should discuss the issues with BSNLEU and the union of the striking workers and reach early settlement, failing which the services will suffer, the full responsibility of which will lie with the management. Being a partner in the exploitation of the contract workers is not the role of a responsible management.