Monthly Archives: June 2015

Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) agreement signed – a great achievement.

29 Monday Jun 2015

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Beijing, Jun 29 : Representatives from 50 founding countries, including India, today signed an agreement that provided the legal framework for the China-led USD 100 billion multilateral Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB).

The 60-article agreement specified each member’s share as well as governance structure and policy-making mechanism of the bank, which is designed to finance infrastructure in Asia.

The delegates from 50 founding countries gathered at the Great Hall of the People for the signing ceremony. Australia was the first country to sign the agreement, followed by 49 other members. Seven more countries are due to sign by the end of the year.

The AIIB will have authorised capital of USD 100 billion, and Asian countries will contribute to up to 75 per cent of the total capital. Each member will be allocated a share of the quota based on their economic size, according to the agreement.

The AIIB will be able to help the developing Asian Countries for their infrastructure and development. It is a good development.

 

Repeat of Great depression 1930 – RBI Governor Raghuram Rajan

27 Saturday Jun 2015

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“Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor Raghuram Rajan has asked central banks from across the world to define “new rules of the game” as he warned that the global economy may be slipping into problems similar to the Great Depression of the 1930s” (TOI)

So, the capitalist system is going to face another depression like 1930, according to RBI Governor Raghuram Rajan. This is serious. The working class was the biggest sufferers of the 1930 depression. Even the pay scales of the Central government employees in India were curtailed and reduced. Of course, they fought back to the extend possible at that time.

Anyway, the workers do not want another repression.

 

Vatican recognises state of Palestine – A good gesture

27 Saturday Jun 2015

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At last, the Vatican also has recognised the “State of Palestine.” While most of the  countries have recognised Palestine earlier, some countries did not do so, because of the pressure from the US and Israel. Now the recognition of Palestine by Vatican and Pope is a welcome step. The report on the above is given below:
“The Vatican signed a treaty with the “State of Palestine” on Friday, saying it hoped its legal recognition of the state would help stimulate peace with Israel and that the treaty itself would serve as a model for other Mideast countries.
Vatican Foreign Minister Paul Gallagher and his Palestinian counterpart, Riad al-Malki, signed the treaty at a ceremony inside the Vatican. “

 

Struggles by Workers to Defend and Save BSNL : 2004 – 2015 ( 19 )

27 Saturday Jun 2015

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2011

Meeting with Secretary, DOT on the strike issues

A meeting of the JAC  was held with Shri R.Chandrasekhar, Secretary, DOT on 06-02-2011 with regard to the implementation of the agreement made on 2nd December 2010 at the time of the strike.

Protest Against BRPSE’s retrograde recommendations

In the meanwhile, the BRPSE recommended implementing VRS in BSNL, Reduction of retirement age to 58,  Merger of ITI with BSNL etc. The meeting of the JAC held on 29-03-2011, unanimously decided to organize country wide demonstrations on 5th April 2011 against these retrograde recommendations. The demonstrations were effectively organised throughout the country.

The Convener, JAC, Com.V.A.N.Namboodiri wrote a detailed letter to Communications Minister Shri Kapil Sibal on 12-04-2011 with regard to the absorption of ITS officers in BSNL. Another letter was written on the same day to the Lok Sabha secretariat submitting our suggestions on the allocation and pricing of telecom licences and spectrum to the Joint Parliament Committee (JPC) appointed for the purpose and seeking a meeting.

In the meantime, NFTE and FNTO stopped attending the Forum meetings. The reason seemed to be the misunderstanding arisen due to the hectic campaign in the Membership Verification of non-executive unions held in the December 2010.

“Customer Delight Month”, “Employees Awareness Week”

The JAC meeting held on 29th March 2011 decided to observe May 2011 as “Customer Delight Month”, to educate and propagate among the workers the need to attend to the  customers in a far better way so that the services will be better and there will be good feeling among the customers. The financial viability of the company was going down and the service was also not up to the mark. Hence, the programme of “Customer Delight Month”. There was general consensus in the meeting that the ‘government mind set’ should be changed and work culture should be improved. It was also decided to give wide publicity to the decision. In the same way an “Employees Awareness Week” is also to be observed from 24-04-2011. These programmes were effectively observed in many places.

A meeting was held with the JAC by Shri Gopal Das, CMD, BSNL on 20-05-2011 on the implementation of the “Customer Delight Month” in which the JAC gave a number of valuable suggestions. On the basis of these suggestions, the BSNL issued several instructions to the field offices for taking specific actions to improve the services.

The JAC had another round of discussions on 03-05-2011 with the newly appointed CMD Shri R.K.Upadhyay on the suggestions for improvement of the services and implementation of the “Customer Delight Month”. The Directors (HR), (CFQ) and (CA) also attended.

The JAC also decided to organize   JAC meetings in circles which should be attended by the leaders of the Forum/General Secretaries of the JAC affiliated unions. These meetings were effectively held.

The JAC  objected strongly against the action of  DOT arbitrarily taking over the important BSNL buildings in many places and handing over the same to CCAs etc. Resolution was adopted in the meeting on this subject on 27-04-2011 and forwarded to the Prime Minister, Communications Minister, Secretary DOT and CMD BSNL.

ITS Absorption –  Court case

The  meeting of the JAC held on 8th April 2011 decided to file a court case on the ITS absorption issue. The case will be filed by BSNLEU, SNEA(I) and AIBSNLEA jointly. This was done.

Proposals for a New Telecom Policy 2011 were submitted to the Communications Minister Kapil Sibal on 06-06-2011 as per decision of the JAC.

“Customer Delight Year 2011-12”

The meeting of the Joint Action Council held on 13th July 2011 discussed in detail about the implementation of the “Customer Delight Month”. The reports received from the General Secretaries showed that while in some centres, the observation has been effective, in many places the workers have not started the programme seriously. However, there have been improvement in almost all places. It was decided to extend the programme and convert it to “Customer Delight Year 2011-2012”. A Circular was issued in the matter signed by the Convener and all the General Secretaries.

The Director(HR) BSNL Shri A.K.Garg  issued a letter on 20th July 2011 to all the CGMs intimating that the JAC has decided to observe “Customer Delight Year 2011-12” and to ensure that all actions are taken to make the programme a success. (To be continued)

“Post card campaign” to save BSNL – Forum Decision

27 Saturday Jun 2015

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“Post card campaign” to be conducted in the month of August.

The Forum meeting held yesterday, has expressed it’s dissatisfaction over the fact that, the government has not taken any meaningful step for the revival of BSNL. It is already 2 months since the 2 day strike has taken place, and also talks were held with the Secretary, DoT. Except in the matter of 78.2% IDA merger for pensioners, no improvement has come on any other issue. The Forum has decided that, the whole month of July should be utilised to increase our customer base. At the same time, the Forum has come to the conclusion that, we cannot remain silent for long. Hence, it is decided in the meeting held yesterday that, a “Post card campaign ” should be conducted in the month of August. This campaign should take place from 10th to 22nd August, 2015. A post card should go from each and every employee to the Hon’ble Minister of Communications, demanding immediate steps for the revival of BSNL. The text of the post card shall be as follows:-

” Hon’ble Minister of Communications & IT is requested to immediately settle the demands submitted by the Forum, for the revival of BSNL. “

The post card should be signed by the individual employee, with his name, designation and SSA. The Forum at the circle and SSA levels should organise this campaign.  Let us make the post card campaign a grand success. Let us arrange to send one post card from each of the 2.25 lakh BSNL employees. Let us make the Minister and the government understand about the determination of the BSNL employees to revive BSNL. (Courtesy: BSNLEU Website)

BSNLEU /AIBDPA Meeting at Bengaluru on 27th June 2015

27 Saturday Jun 2015

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A well attended meeting of BSNLEU and AIBDPA, Bengaluru District, CGM Office, Civil/Electrical, QA and STR was held at BSNLEU Office, Bengaluru at 14.00 hours on 27th June 2015, presided over by Com. Kempe Gouda, District President. Com. C.K.Gundanna, Circle Secretary, Karnataka spoke about the decisions of the CEC at Dalhousie. The house stood in silence for one minute paying homage to Com. A.M.Patil, Circle secretary, Gujarat, who passed away at the time of CEC. Com. H.V.Sudershan, Dist. Secretary, BGTD, addressed the house and welcomed all. Senior leaders  Muddiah, J.V.Keshav, T.S.Krishna Moorthy, Infran Pasha, Shravan Kumar singh, Farooque, Girish, Krishnan kutty, H.C.Prakash, Bharathi, M.Manchaiah, Shivalinga Prasad and other leaders were in the dais.

Com.V.A.N.Namboodiri, founder General Secretary and Patron BSNLEU and also Founder Convener of Forum of BSNL Unions/Associations addressed the house and briefed about the latest developments after the successful 2 days strike on 21-22 April 2015, the meeting with the Secretary, DOT and the assurances etc. He also spoke about the efforts being made by the Forum and the Management to implement the ‘09.00 PM- 07.00 AM’ campaign for improvement of services and  BSNL expansion.  The present position of 78.2% IDA pension fixation was also stated. Com. Namboodiri answered and explained on the issues raised by the members. He was given a very affectionate reception at the meeting.

The Bengaluru Comrades assured Com. Namboodiri that BGTD and other districts in Bengaluru will ensure the ‘Save BSNL Campaign’ very effectively and ensure profit for the BSNL.  Thanks for the Bengaluru Comrades and Circle Union for the excellent meeting and discussion.

Struggle for Trade Union Unity

26 Friday Jun 2015

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“Comrades, we must clearly understand the meaning of the struggle for trade union unity. This unity has a purpose to defend the interests of the working class to defend the principles of trade union movement, to move the movement forward.”
B.T.Ranadive on the Foundation Day of the CITU, 1981

Struggles by Workers to Defend and Save BSNL : 2004 – 2015 ( 18 )

26 Friday Jun 2015

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Historic Strike – Magnificent Achievement

The 3 days strike started on 1st December 2010. The BSNL Offices and exchanges in the country were closed without anybody attending. It was a complete strike. The press gave good publicity. Sister unions like Confederation, NFPE, AIIEA, BEFI and others expressed solidarity and support. The BSNL workers going on strike to defend the company was well received by the public.

BSNL Management as well as Government did not expect such a full strike. The Secretary, DOT called the unions for discussion on 2nd December 2010, the second day of the strike. CMD BSNL was present. After the discussion with DOT a meeting was held with the BSNL Management. Agreement was reached on the demands at about 2130 hours on the same day and the strike was deferred.

The official minutes of the meeting and the agreement is given below:

Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited ( No.BSNL/7-15/SR/2010 dated 2nd December 2010)

Representatives of BSNL Unions/Associations met with the Secretary (Telecom), DOT today where CMD BSNL was also present. A follow up meeting with BSNL Management under the Chairmanship of CMD, BSNL Shri Gopal Das, was also held at 15.00 hours on 2nd December 2010 in which representatives of JAC as well as from the management side were also present.

In the course of the meeting, the unions emphasized on the following issues;

*Procurement of GSM equipment

*Benefit of 50% IDA merger in pay fixation

The management side clarified that action is under way for procurement of 5.5 million lines to meet the immediate demand for North and east Zones. In addition, a proposal is also being considered to procure 15 million lines for the next year.

On the issue of benefit of 50% IDA Merger in pay fixation (effectively amounting to 78.2%) CMD BSNL informed that the case has been deliberated in the 130th meeting of the Board held on 25-08-2010 wherein the Board taking in to account all the pros and cons decided to defer the implement of the benefit of 50% IDA merger for pay fixation till the Company’s financial position improves considerably and there is visible signs of recovery. On further insistence by the JAC members, CMD requested the union leaders to provide fresh inputs on this issue which could be examined by the management before submitting the case to BSNL Board for its consideration. On the remaining issues, the position is given in Annexure-1

With this, CMD BSNL again requested the JAC members to withdraw its ongoing strike, to which the JAC members agreed.

The main points of the agreement were as follows:

  1. No Disinvestment/IPO for the present
  2. No unbundling of last mile copper
  3. Pension Revision note will be resubmitted to cabinet for decision immediately
  4. ITS Absorption issue –Cabinet Note circulated to related Ministries
  5. Adequate procurement of mobile equipment will be expedited
  6. 2% IDA pay fixation will again be discussed in BSNL Board
  7. Projects and Programmes of development will be taken up
  8. Commitment of Financial viability will be taken up with the government.

The agreement was signed by all the General secretaries and convener JAC, who have given the notice for strike. Thus the historic strike was called off after the second day. The BSNL workers were happy that the management and the DOT was compelled to agree to most of the demands raised by the JAC. A circular was issued by Convener JAC and General Secretaries congratulating the workers for the excellent strike and assuring that the JAC will continue the struggles for implementation of the agreement. (To be continued)

‘Creeping Authoritarianism’ a danger to democracy – CPI(M)

26 Friday Jun 2015

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New Delhi, Jun 25 :The CPI-M has warned that the present “creeping authoritarianism” in forms other than Emergency like “Hindutva” communalism and “corrosion” of institutions of the State can threaten the country’s democratic system.

The CPI-M gave the warning on the 40th anniversary of Emergency that was clamped by the Indira Gandhi-led Congress government on June 25, 1975 while calling for a multi-pronged fight against these current trends.

“What is required is a multi-pronged fight against neo-liberalism, Hindutva communalism and authoritarianism.

They are all fundamentally linked together. Drawing the correct lessons from the emergency of four decades ago will help us in this current struggle,” former CPI (M) general secretary Prakash Karat said.

 

Struggles by Workers to Defend and Save BSNL : 2004 – 2015 ( 17 )

25 Thursday Jun 2015

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Strike postponed to  1st to 3rd December  2010

In view of the Bihar Assembly elections and Kerala Local body elections, the JAC meeting held on 23-09-2010 decided to postpone the 3 days strike from 19th to 21st October to 24th to 26th November 2010. Due to unavoidable circumstances again the strike dates were postponed to 1st to 3rd December 2010.

Strike Notice issued.

The notice for the three days strike was issued on 15-10-2010 signed by Coms. V.A.N.Namboodiri, Convener, JAC, P.Abhimanyu(BSNLEU), K.Vallinayagam(FNTO), Raj Kishore (BSNL WRU), V.Subburaman(TEPU), G.L.Jogi(SNEA(I), S.S.Tomar(BSNLMS), R.K.Kohli(NFTBE), (SNATTA), P.Venugopal(AIBSNLEA), D.P.Patwa(AIBCTES) and N.D.Ram(SEWA BSNL).

The Demands :

  1. Refund of Rs. 18,500 crores to BSNL paid to government towards 3G and BWA spectrum charges.
  2. 2% IDA Merger for wage revision w.e.f. 01-01-2007
  3. Immediate settlement of ITS Group A absorption issue.
  4. No Disinvestment/IPO of BSNL
  5. No VRS
  6. Procurement of adequate mobile equipments.
  7. No unbundling of last mile copper cable.
  8. Implement government’s commitments on financial viability of BSNL given at the time of corporatization by continuing exemption from Licence Fee, and continuation of ADC, USO Fund
  9. Effective and expeditious implementation of implementation of programmes and projects like ERP, NGN etc. Immediate fool proof measures for smooth change over to CDR
  10. Government departments and PSUs should be manadated to take telecom services from BSNL/MTNL only
  11. Revision of Pension on IDA along with wage revision. Immediate revision of IDA pension of pre-2007 BSNL retirees.

Historic Parliament March on 15th November 2010

In preparation for the 3 Days Strike from 1st December 2010, the Joint Action Committee organized a massive March to Parliament on 15th November 2010. Thousands and thousands of BSNL employees participated in the March which started from the Bharat Sanchar Bhawan, the Corporate office of BSNL. The March was stopped at the Parliament Street by the police where a huge  rally  was held. Com.Basudev Acharia, M.P., inaugurated the rally. Com.V.A.N.Namboodiri, Convener, JAC spoke in detail about the demands of the workers and the anti-BSNL decisions of the Government and the necessity of making the 3 days strike from 1st December a great success. Coms. P.Abhimanyu(BSNLEU), G.L.Jogi(SNEA(I), Prahlad Rai(AIBSNLEA), C.Singh(NFTE) and other General Secretaries addressed.

Strike Notice issued

The Strike Notice for 3 days strike was issued signed by Coms. V.A.N.Namboodiri, Convener JAC, P.Abhimanyu(BSNLEU), Chandeshwar Singh (NFTE) & Chairman JAC, Suresh Kumar (BSNLMS), N.D.Ram(SEWA BSNL), S.C.Gaur(BSNLOA), G.L.Jogi (SNEA(I), Prahlad Rai (AIBSNLEA), Anil Kumar(BSNL ATM),K.Vallinayagam(FNTO), V.Subburaman(TEPU), Raj Kishore (WRU) and R.K.Ram (BTU BSNL). A Circular with details of the demands was circulated. Wall Posters were printed and distributed in large numbers. Parliament Members raised questions in the Parliament on the various issues mentioned in the strike notice. Press Releases were also issued by the JAC which were prominently published in the newspapers.

Struggle for Bonus

On the plea of loss to the company for the financial year, Bonus was denied to the BSNL workers. The JAC discussed the issue and decided to go on Hunger Strike on 15-10-2010. The same was organised effectively with good participation.  A Dharna was also organised on 28-10-2010. But the issue of payment of Bonus was not settled. (To be continued)