As per the decision of the Forum of BSNL Unions & Associations, a Memorandum was prepared on the issues of BSNL and its workers and presented to the Prime Minister on 14th February 2014. The following were the main demands:

  1. No Merger of BSNL and MTNL without settling the question of MTNL’s huge liability, disinvestment and the HR issues.
  2. No formation of subsidiary Tower Company as proposed.
  3. Revival of BSNL
  4. Loss of rural services to be compensated to BSNL.
  5. Provide soft loans to BSNL for procurement of equipment etc.

Forum also expressed its strong protest against the non-discussion of these items by the BSNL management as also by the DOT.

Lunch Hour Demonstrations on 28-02-2014

As per decision of the Forum Meeting held on 27-02-2014, lunch hour demonstrations were held on 28-02-2014 against merger of BSNL and MTNL and formation of companies bifurcating BSNL. Though there was only short notice, the programme was well responded by the workers.

Supernumerary Benefits to Directly Recruited employees.

The Forum leaders met the high Power Committee appointed by the management on 14-02-2014 and discussed about the superannuation benefits to the BSNL recruited employees. Forum leaders insisted that 30% benefits as per the guide lines of DPE be provided. The management was prepared to provide only 20%. A detailed letter on our demands was given to the management.

Merger of BSNL and MTNL

Forum wrote a strong letter to the BSNL management and DOT opposing the proposed merger of BSNL and MTNL and warned that if any arbitrary decision is taken, the workers will be compelled to go on agitational programmes including indefinite strike. It was assured by DOT that the concerns raised by the unions will be taken in to consideration and the unions will be consulted before any final decision is taken.

Pension Contribution.

Forum demanded the DOT that the pension contribution to be paid by BSNL to DOT should be on the actual basic salary and not on the maximum of the scale as is being calculated at present. No decision was taken in the matter.

Passive Infrastructure Agreement between BSNL and Reliance

When it came to the notice of the Forum that an agreement has been made between BSNL and reliance for passive infrastructure of BSNL towers, it held a meeting immediately on 18-07-2014 and discussed the issue. The Forum demanded the management to immediately provide it with all the details of the agreement after which the Forum will discuss again. ( to be continued).