The discussion with the CMD BSNL did not result in any settlement since almost all the issues were to be settled by the DOT. Secretary DOT did not call the Forum for any discussion on the strike issues. Though a call was received in the late evening of 20th April 2015 immediately, it could not take place since most of the General Secretaries were not available since all were in strike preparation and out of Delhi. Hence the strike.

The Strike started from 00.00 hours on 21/22 April and continued till 00.00 hours of 22/23 April 2015. The strike was a complete success with almost 100% in most of the places. In many circles, the entire offices and exchanges stood closed and deserted without any employee to work. Huge demonstrations were organised in front of offices by the striking employees. The casual and contract workers as per the call of the BSNLCCWF also struck work on both the days. As per the call of AIBDPA, BSNL – DOT Pensioners participated in the demonstrations and gave solidarity and support. Central trade unions like CITU, AITUC, BMS, INTUC and others also supported. AIRF, AIIEA, Confederation of CG Employees and Workers, BEFI, NFPE AISGEF and other federations gave full support and extended solidarity.

Com. V.A.N.Namboodiri, Convener met many Members of Parliament and briefed them about the demands raised in the strike and requested that these may be raised in the Parliament. The Forum is much thankful that M.P.s Comrades Shankar Prasad Dutta, Jitendra Choudhary (both from Tripura), P.Karunakaran( Leader of CPI(M) in Lok Sabha), P.K.Biju, A.Sampath and P.K.Sreemathi (all from Kerala) raised the issues in zero hour in the Parliament on 22nd April and demanded the intervention of the government. In addition, some of these M.P.s addressed letters to the Communications Minister. (to be continued)