Monthly Archives: March 2014

BSNLEU Day Celebrated in Kozhikode

22 Saturday Mar 2014

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BSNLEU Foundation Day, 22nd March 2014, was celebrated at Kozhikode by organising a well attended meeting in the PGM Office premises. Com. Purushothaman, District President, presided. Com. Jayarajan District Secretary, BSNLEU welcomed all.
Inaugurating the meeting, Com. V.A.N.Namboodiri, spoke about the heritage of BSNLEU and the circumstances under which the UNion was formed by merging 8 existing unions. The achievements of the union during the last 13 years were also focussed. Com. Vijayakumar, ACS, BSNLEU and Com. V.Bhagyalakshmi, convener, State Mahila committee addressed.

Revolutionary Greetings on BSNLEU Day!

22 Saturday Mar 2014

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Today, 22nd March 2014, is the 13th Foundation Day Anniversary of BSNL Employees Union, the mighty progressive union of the BSNL Employees. My Revolutionary Greetings and Best Wishes to all of you on this day!

BSNL Employees Union during the last 13 years have been serving the BSNL workers, raising their issues, negotiating and making sustained struggles for achievement of the same. Many important issues including two wage revisions, NEPP and other issues could be settled with the full support of the workers, which benefitted them as never before. BSNLEU will continue to do the same in future also.

BSNLEU has taken initiative to bring all the non-executive and executive unions together to make all out efforts to improve BSNL and its services to the people. The mighty struggles and strikes organised by the JAC/Joint Forum/ Forum compelled the government and the BSNL Management to backtrack from its decisions to implement Disinvestment /Retrenchment / VRS etc. in BSNL. The Forum’s strong reaction to the proposal of the Government to merge BSNL and MTNL, without settling the crucial issues like wage differences, disinvest of MTNL to the extend of 46.5%, huge loan liabilities of MTNL etc. compelled the government from moving forward. But we have to be still vigilant and be ready for instant action if any such decision is taken.

BSNLEU took the initiative for forming the JAC of the Non-Executive Unions for taking a united stand on the workers’ issues and go on agitation unitedly. As part of this unity effort, it strongly initiated for the recognition of a second union also and brought recognition to NFTE, which will benefit BSNL and its workers.

BSNLEU is part of the working class movement in the country. It has got a great heritage. It has assimilated all the inspiring tradition of the P and T Trade Union movement under the leadership of the founding fathers like Babu Tarapada Mukherjee, Henry Barton, V.G.Dalvi and Dada Ghosh. BSNLEU has always taken guidance from the Revolutionary leader, Com. K.G.Bose, who inspired a whole generation of workers and will inspire the future generations.

BSNLEU has taken part in all the struggles organised by the Central Trade Unions and CPSTU, the Co-ordination Committee of the PSU Unions. Our activities and participation are well appreciated.

BSNLEU is part of the world working class. Its representatives have participated in the Congress of World Federation of Trade Unions (WFTU) since 2005 as also the Trade Union International (TUI) of Public Services, which is affiliated to WFTU.

BSNLEU leaders and workers had been in the forefront of the struggles and had sacrificed themselves to the cause of workers. The fight for justice to workers has been a long and strenuous. This will certainly continue.

The formation of All India BSNL DOT Pensioners Association (AIBDPA) and BSNL Casual and Contract Workers Federation (BSNLCCWF) was another achievement of BSNLEU.These two organisations have strengthened and are functioning as the champions in their respective areas.

BSNLEU stands for the working class unity. It stands for progressive ideas. And it will always be in the forefront of the struggles for the cause of BSNL workers.Let all of us pledge to continue and improve our work and struggle for the cause of the BSNL workers.
Revolutionary Greetings to all our Comrades, Friends and Well Wishers on BSNLEU Day!

AIBDPA – BSNLEU Convention at Kannur

21 Friday Mar 2014

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The SSA Unions of AIBDPA and BSNLEU Kannur District organised a very impressive Convention jointly on 21st March 2014 at Com. T.K.Balan Memorial Hall. The hall was full with some comrades even sitting outside the hall. Com. K.Kunhiraman, SSA Secretary, AIBDPA presided.
Com. V.A.N.Namboodiri, President BSNLEU and Advisor AIBDPA inaugurated the Convention. In his speech, he mentioned about the latest developments in BSNL, including the proposal of the government to merge BSNL, formation of new companies bifurcating BSNL etc. and called upon the workers for rallying round BSNLEU to fight the saem.He also briefed the house about the latest position on 78.2% IDA pension fixation, Barcelona Congress of Pensioners and Retirees etc.
Coms.K.Mohanan,Circle Secretary BSNLEU, P.Manoharan, ACS, BSNLEU, Ravindran Kodakkad,DS, BSNLEU, P.V.Unnikrishnan, SSA President AIBDPA ,K.R.R.Varma, ACS, AIBDPA, P.V.Rajan, DS BSNLEU, Nandakumar, Circle Vice-President, BSNLEU and other leaders addressed.

BSNLEU Kerala Convention at Thiruvananathapuram

21 Friday Mar 2014

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The BSNLEU Kerala Circle Convention as per the decision of CHQ was held at Thiruvananthapuram on 20th March 2014. In addition to the CEC Members, a large number of representatives from all the SSAs participated.

The Convention was  pr, BSNLEU.presided by Com. A.V.Kuriakose, Circle President. Com. K.Mohanan, Circle Secretary welcomed all and briefed about the purpose of the meeting. Com. M.V.Govindan Master,  senior CPI(M) leader inaugurated the Convention. In his speech, he explained the historical perspective of labour and capital, the struggles of the workers and also the anti-worker attitude of the government and the neo-liberal policies being implemented by the UPA Government. The class character of both the ruling class parties viz. Congress and BJP was analysed. He assured all support of the Left movement to the struggle of the BSNL employees.

Com. V.A.N.Namboodiri, President, BSNLEU explained the latest development in the telecom sector and the struggles being organised under BSNLEU and the Forum for survival and strengthening of BSNL. The background of the recent agitation against BSNL-MTNL Merger and connected matters, the formation of JAC of Non-Executive Unions and charter of Demands ec. and the BSNL workers role in the general elections were also briefed.

Coms. P.V.Chandrasekharan, veteran leader of P and T Union movement, K.Mohanan, Circle Secretary, R.Muralidharan Nair, AGS, V.Bhagyalakshmi, Mahila Committee Convener, Jacob Thomas (NFPE) and other ledaers addressed. Com. Pratapan, Treasurer proposed vote of thanks.

Comrade K.Arjunan, undaunted fighter.

19 Wednesday Mar 2014

Posted by in AIBDPA - BSNL DOT Pensioners, BSNLEU

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This is not the original Arjunan of Epic  Mahabharata, who doubtless was an undaunted fighter who led the Pandavas to victory.

This Arjunan is another undaunted fighter who has led and fought many struggles in the cause of the workers and toiling masses. Comrade K.Arjunan, former Circle Secretary of All India Telegraph Traffic Employees Union, Class IV, has been part of the might Co-Ordinating Committee of P and T Unions, Kerala Circle and a veteran leader of the P and T workers. He was victimised in all the struggles of the P and T Employees. I knew him earlier, but we became close associates, after I came to Thiruvananthapuram from Calicut, after my election as President and later as Circle Secretary of the AITE Union Class III.

The P and T Co-ordinating Committee organised several mighty agitations, in all of which Comrade Arjunan was an important part of the leadership. He had no doubt or vacillation at any time for moving to struggle. He fully involved in all these struggles and was greatly respected as such.

I met him once again yesterday, 18th March 2014, in the Convention of the AIBDPA,  held at Thiruvananthapuram, which he presided. Since his eye was operated recently he did not absent himself, but came wearing dark glasses as per advice of the Doctor. Despite the fact he is 75 years and retired about 17 years back, his speech still has its strong accent and the energy for many more struggles. He is an important leader of the AIBDPA, who I am sure will lead the pensioners in the correct direction.

My Revolutionary Greetings to you, Comrade Arjunan.

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Celebrate BSNLEU Day on 22nd March 2014!

19 Wednesday Mar 2014

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On 22nd of March 2014, BSNL Employees Union will be completing 13 years. Formed on 22nd March 2001 at the National Convention of Telecom Employees at Visakhapatnam, called by the progressive unions in the newly formed BSNL,  BSNLEU during the last 13 years have grown to become as the biggest union. It was the only recognised and representative union in BSNL since the second Membership Verification in 2004 to 2013, till it took initiative for grant of recognition to a second union also.

During the last 13 years of its existence, BSNLEU has been able to achieve two wage agreements for the employees, a new Promotion Policy as also many other achievements. It has taken the lead fight against disinvestment and privatisation and stopped the government from selling its share. It has taken initiative in forming the Joint Action Committee/Forum  of the Associations/Unions of Executives and Non-Executives which has organised many struggles and strikes to save BSNL and improve its services as also on the demands of the workers. The workers have rallied around BSNLEU due to its sincere and committed functioning. It took initiative in forming the organisations for the Pensioners (AIBDPA) and Casual, Contract Workers (BSNLCCWF) and jointly fought for settling their issues. BSNLEU has also done its due role amongst the PSU Unions. Now it has also taken initiative to form the Joint Action Committee of Non-Executive Unions/Associations for focussing and organising struggles for settling the urgent demands.

Another achievement of the union is the purchase of a new union office building at New Delhi at Shadipur area. The building has been purchased and was inaugurated on the BSNLEU Day, 22nd March 2012. The purchase could be made only due to the whole hearted support of the members throughout the country. The purchase was made by the balance amount in the union accounts and a loan of Rs. 1.5 crore from the bank. CHQ has called for further donations and we are sure that the members will donate generously again to repay the loan. By purchasing the building within 2 years of taking the decision in the Thiruvananthapuram All India Conference, CHQ has been able to fulfil the long cherished dream of the BSNL workers.

We have been celebrating the BSNLEU Day every year by organising some social service like blood donation camps, helping the poor school children by donating uniform and books, kambals and dresses to the poor and old etc. I have no doubt that our Branches/Districts will continue this social service this year also on the BSNLEU Day.

BSNLEU has grown to the present position only with the wholehearted support of our members and well wishers. We thank them and congratulate them ! Let us observe the BSNLEU Day in a befitting manner.

CEC meeting of BSNLEU, Kerala Circle

19 Wednesday Mar 2014

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The Circle executive Committee meeting of BSNLEU Kerala Circle was held at P and T House  Thiruvananthapuram on 19th March 2014.  Com. A.V.Kuriakose, Circle President, presided.  Com. K.Mohan, Circle secretary, welcomed all.

Com.V.A.N.Namboodiri, All India President, BSNLEU, addressed the CEC and explained the decisions of the CEC Rajkot for effective implementation. He also spoke on the decisions of the Forum as well as the newly formed formed JAC of Non-Executive Unions/Associations.

The CEC discussed in detail about the issues and organisation matters. The task of the workers in the present situation, the general elections also were discussed.

Tomorrow, a Circle Convention of BSNL Employees is also being held.

 

 

 

BSNLCCWF Kerala Convention

19 Wednesday Mar 2014

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A Circle Convention of BSNL Casual Contract Labour Union, Kerala Circle was held today, 19 March 2014, at Bankmen’s Hall, Thiruvananthapuram. More than 500 workers from all parts of Kerala participated. Com. K.Mohan, Circle President BSNL CCLU and Circle Secretary BSNLEU presided over the Convention. Com. Somasekharan Nair, Circle secretary BSNL CCLU welcomed all the participants and the invitees.
Comrade K.N. Balagopalan, MP and President of the CCLU inaugurated the convention. He congratulated the CCLU Kerala for organising the 16 days strike through which many achievements could be made. He analysed the election situation and called upon the workers to support those who support them. Com.V.A.N.Namboodiri, All India President BSNLCCWF and BSNLEU explained in detail about the issues of the casual and contract workers and the struggles organised to achieve them. Coms. P.V.Chandrasekharan, Circle President AIBDPA and senior leader of P and T workers, R.Muralidharan Nair, AGS BSNLEU, A.V.Kuriakose, Circle President, BSNLEU, Suresh, AGS, BSNLCCWF , V.Bhagyalakshmi, Mahila Committee Convener, Ashok Kumar, Convener, Confederation, Trivandrum and other leaders addressed.
In response to the appeal of the CHQ BSNLCCWF for donations to help Com. S.P.Tiwari, Circle Secretary of BSNL CCWF, UP East who is victimised and retrenched for the last few years and who is in serious condition in hospital due to cancer, a generous donation of Rs.9,100 was received from the house. Another Rs.5,000 was donated by the BSNL CCLU Circle Union. The total amount of Rs. 14,100 was handed over to Com. V.A.N.Namboodiri to be given to Com. Tiwari. Com. Namboodiri thanked the Kerala Circle and the comrades for the spontaneous and generous response to this noble cause.
The  meeting came to an end with vote of thanks by Com. C. Vamadevan, District Secretary BSNLCCLU.

Comrade P.V.Chandrasekharan, a dynamic leader

19 Wednesday Mar 2014

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Whenever you think about the BSNL Trade Union movement in Kerala, there is one outstanding leader, who is still vibrant and is the guide and Advisor of the movement, not only of BSNL but the entire P and T TU movement. He is Com. P.V.Chandrasekharan, former Circle President of BSNLEU and earlier Circle Secretary of the AITE Union Class III for long 25 years. At present he is the Circle President of AIBDPA and all India Patron of the same, in addition to Vice-President of CGPA Kerala.
A charming personality with intimate connection with all the workers and leaders, he has been in the progressive movement since his student days. Through the Students Federation and later through the P and T movement after joining P and Department, he continues to be one of the strongest leaders fully committed to the working Class ideology.
During his service, he was victimised cruelly several times through punishments, suspension, transfer to isolated places despite his frail health etc. After my tenure as Circle Secretary and when handing over the same to Com.PVC, as he is fondly called, I had the full confidence that here is one comrade who will be faithful to the working class and make all out efforts for the onward march and achievements of the workers.
The telecom workers, nay central Govt. Employees and Pensioners also, look to Com. PVC for continued leadership and guidance in their sustained struggles and organisational activities.
He is now engaged with preparation of a book on the P and Trade Union movement in Kerala. The P and T Workers are eagerly waiting for the book to be released.
My Best Wishes and Revolutionary Greetings to Comrade P.V.Chandrasekharan. We expect more and more contributions from him to the cause of the working class!

Red Salute to Comrade EMS Namboodiripad!

19 Wednesday Mar 2014

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Times move so fast. It is difficult to think that it is 16 years since Com. EMS Namboodiripad, one of the great Communists the world has ever seen, has passed away. Yes, it was on 19th March 1998 that the veteran ideologue and all rounder in the fields of politics, culture, agitations and what not, left us forever.
Born in a rich landlord family, EMS, left all material assets to the Party to start the Party Journal Deshabhimani. At the time as a student in school/college itself he organised the young and fought for the liberation of the Brahmin women who were just like slaves in the interiors of home. He fought with other youngsters like him against the age old anarchic systems like untouchability.
While studying itself he jumped in to the struggle for the independence of the country. There was no looking back afterwards.
As a Congressman, Congress Socialist and then Communist, his contribution to the people and the country is well known. Just like any other communist leader, Com.EMS also faced all attacks, jail, underground etc. from the British first and then by the Congress government in free India.
He became the first Communist Chief Minister, when the Communist Party was elected in the first ever state elections in Kerala in 1957. All the reactionaries, vested interests,communal forces combined together under the leadership of Congress to oust the government, but could not, due to the strong and solid support of the people. In one of the most shameful acts of Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, the EMS Government, which brought many progressive and beneficial acts like land reforms, Education etc. was dismissed.
Along with Com.A.K.Gopalan, the firebrand agitator and leader of the toiling masses, and other legends of the communist movement, Com. EMS strengthened the Communist and working class movement specially in kerala and generally all over the country. During his tenure as the General Secretary of the CPI(M), the party rose to great heights in organisation.
Comrade EMS has written continuously for more than half a century on all matters and the same have been published after his death in 100 big volumes by the Party.
I had the good fortune to meet him several times in connection with the organisation of the central government employees and P and T specially. His inaugural speech in the All india Conference of AITE Union Class III at Trivandrum on 1994, focussing the idea that both the intellectual and manual workers should jointly contribute for the growth of the industry and the working class movement is still in our memory. We have put in to practice by organising and conducting struggle of all the sections of workers in the Forum of BSNL Unions and Associations, in our own sphere. There are many other instances of his guidance and support to the P and T movement, which I am not mentioning here, for brevity’s sake.
On the 16th death anniversary of this great Communist and Working Class leader, we pay our respectful homage and pledge to follow the revolutionary path shown by him.
Red Salute to Comrade EMS!