72. BSNL CASUAL CONTRACT WORKERS FEDERATION

Casual labours were utilized by P and T Department from very earlier  days for laying cables and  telephone lines as also for fault-repair and maintenance. They were selected through employment exchanges. Telephone Line Inspectors and Sub-Inspectors engaged  them directly also, mainly from members  of their families, friends etc. Through departmental tests, many of them have been selected as Linemen as also to other class III and higher cadres through examinations. Sometimes it can be seen that many members of the same family are working in the department. I know of 5 Line Inspectors and their family members in the department in various cadres, who were first engaged as casual labours and promoted to higher cadres after passing examinations.

In 1988, Department of Telecom issued orders banning regularisation of casual labour as also recruitment. Though the ban was removed due to strong protest and agitation, ban orders were again issued in 1998.  One assurance which was given at the time of formation of BSNL in 2000 was that all  existing casual labour who have continuously worked 240 days or more  in a year without break  will be regularized. BSNL corporate office was to regularize them after getting relevant  details from  circles.

One of my important task as General Secretary after formation of BSNL, was to go to the concerned section in corporate office and ensure that the names recommended for confirmation from the circles are got regularised. Contacted circle secretaries regularly asking them to ensure that lists of all eligible casual labour are forwarded to C.O. without delay. About 5000 such casual labour were got regularized in this way.

Corporate office suddenly stopped regularization of casual labour in 2006, after an unfortunate judgment in the Supreme Court. It was an appeal case filed in the Supreme Court – State of Karnataka Vs Umadevi. There is equal right for all citizens for Government jobs and the fact that somebody has temporarily worked for some period, does not make him/ her eligible for permanent employment was the gist of the judgment. Cases of casual labour in Department of Telecom was entirely different. They were mostly recruited through employment exchange as per existing orders and there were clear rules for their regularization. Had continued till the SC judgment. It was also as per agreement between  recognized federations and  DOT. But BSNL was not prepared to accept our demand for regularization. The judgment came as an escape route for them to deny regularization.

BSNL Employees Union demanded that the remaining casual labour also should be regularized as has been done earlier. It was only due to unjustified delay by lower offices that the list could not reach C.O. Had they been received, those casual labour would have been regularized. On demand from BSNLEU, management referred the matter to Attorney General, who without going to the background of the case, gave opinion that they cannot be regulrised.

In addition to casual labours, thousands of contract workers had  been engaged by  DOT since 1990s, after  ban on engagement of casual labour. Wages of these contract workers were being paid through contractors, unlike in the case of casual labour, whose wages were directly paid by DOT. In most of the circles, facilities like EPF, ESI etc were not implemented for these contract workers as also wages fixed by the Chief Labour Commissioner. They were being brutally exploited. These contract workers numbering about one lakh were treated as wage slaves by  BSNL management and contractors.

In 2006, while I was on organizational tour of Puri, the   temple town of Odisha, saw a dharna being held before one sub-divisional office of telecom by about 20-15 contract labours. When asked about the demands, a woman worker, who was their leader, told they were neither paid  wages in full nor welfare measures like ESI, EPF etc. were implemented. They were getting about Rs.500 only per month, the rest being appropriated by the officers and the contractor.  Realised that some thing has got to be done to change this sad state of affairs and for getting justice to these hard working labours.

Kolkata All India Convention – 2008

Organizing  casual and contract workers was the main task at hand so that they can fight for their rights and demands. BSNLEU took up this responsibility. Contacted all circle secretaries and other prominent leaders and decided to hold an All India Convention of  Casual and Contract workers. The same was held at Kolkata on 14-15 March 2008, participated by about 500 workers.

I was entrusted with the task of inaugurating the Convention. Problems of  casual-contract workers and decision of the Guwahati AIC of BSNLEU in this connection was explained by me. The open session was inaugurated by Com.M.K.Pandhe, CITU President, who elaborately explained the rights  of the contract workers gained through various struggles. More than 1500 workers participated in the procession organized, which marched through the city.

As per unanimous decision of the Convention, the new union, BSNL Casual and Contract Workers federation (BSNLCCWF) was formed with V.A.N.Namboodiri as President and Com. Tapas Ghosh, a casual worker, as Secretary General. The Convention adopted a Declaration on the demand of the workers. The new union was  got registered.

It was not easy to form circle and divisional units. Officers and contractors were completely against formation of union created many hurdles. They very well understood that the new union will fight against exploitation and for the workers’ rights. When touring various circles as General Secretary of BSNLEU, took that opportunity to hold  meetings of casual contract workers and formed its units. In this way, the units of BSNLCCWF were formed in almost all the circles without much delay.

Wherever local/circle units of BSNLEU gave support and took initiative, BSNLCCWF units were formed. Kerala, T.Nadu, W.Bengal, Odisha, Karnataka and certain other circles became strong units of BSNLCCWF.

Through continuous struggles organized at All India and Circle levels, many improvements could be made with regard to payment of wages, implementation of ESI, EPF and other welfare measures.

Parliamentary Standing Committee on Labour

Issues of BSNL casual contract workers were brought for discussion in the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Labour, through initiative of Com.P.R.Natarajan, Member of Parliament (CPIM) from Coimbatore. It was a turn around. In its meeting held at Parliament Annexe on 14^th January 2011 under the Chairmanship of Shri Hemanad Biswal, M.P., there were about 30 M.P.s, Chief Labour Commissioner, Commissioners of EPF and ESI as also press reporters. I was called first to give evidence to the Committee. Gave the well prepared memorandum on the sad state of affairs with regard to wages, welfare measures like EPF, ESI etc as also the numbers of workers (even names of workers in some circles) circle wise and what they were being paid. Though I was allotted only 15 minutes, I could give evidence almost one hour as the other two unions which had been called to give evidence told the committee that their allotted time may be given to me. It was an exhaustive presentation. Questions asked by some M.P.s were replied. Tea and snacks were supplied to us in the adjoining room after our evidence was over.

We could see Secretary DOT, CMD BSNL and other top officers going to the Committee room when we were coming out. But within a few minutes, they were seen coming out. They marched out of the building with grim faces even foregoing tea and snacks offered to them. 

When enquired to press reporters it was revealed that when the Standing Committee asked about payment of wages etc. to the officers, they replied that it is completely the responsibility of the contractors. Irritated by this irresponsible answer, the Chairman is stated to have asked the officers to go through the relevant labour rules and come next time and dismissed them. It was a rude shock to DOT and BSNL oficers, who hitherto were taking the position that they have no direct responsibility, though they are the Principal Employer.

In continuation, meetings of the Parliamentary Standing Committees were held in Delhi, Mumbai, Gangtok (Sikkim) etc. and took evidence. I attended all these meetings with General Secretary and one or two other representatives and gave evidence. In between, the Committee was reconstituted with Com. Sudhakar Reddy, M.P. (CPI) as Chairman. In the meeting at Gangtok , committee members Comrades K.Chandran Pillai and C.S.Sujatha, M.P.s from Kerala, helped much by asking relevant questions to me and getting suitable replies.

After the first meeting of the Parliamentary Standing Committee, continuous discussions were held with the BSNL Management on the issues of the casual and contract workers. Details of each circle, even with names of the contract workers engaged, with the long period they had continuously worked, along with what wage they were receiving etc. were submitted to the management for necessary action. Many instructions were issued by the Corporate office ordering strict implementation of rules on payment of minimum wage, EPF, ESI etc. There was good improvement. Still exploitation continued in certain circles.

BSNLCCWF complained to the EPF Commissioner about non-implementation of EPF in many circles. BSNL officers were called and told by the Commissioner that strict action would be taken if the rules are not implemented. This also helped in settling a lot of cases.

Three  all India strikes were organized by BSNLCCWF on the major demands of the workers, which were fully participated. Chief Labour Commissioner held conciliation meetings several times and directed management to implement all labour rules in connection with the contract workers.  Since the officers (mainly GMs of Corporate Office) were not able to answer several questions of the CLC, he wanted  higher officers to attend and once Director (HR) came and gave evidence before the CLC.  Due to continued efforts, gratuity to contract workers is also under consideration.

After formation Conference in Kolkata, two AICs were held – at Lucknow in 2011 and at Kanya Kumari. Com. Animesh Mitra is the present Secretary General and I continues as President since its formation.

Now, the contract workers have not been paid  their wages for many months, on the plea of loss to BSNL. More than 50,000 workers have been retrenched and urgent works are outsourced. Despite sustained struggles, the situation has not improved.

This attitude on the part of  management is a reflection of the anti-worker attitude of Modi government. Sustained struggles will have to be organized. Whatever achievement has been made through continuous struggles for years are being taken away, especially during this covid-19 period, when, in fact,  the workers have to be given help and support. (to be continued)   

❤72. BSNL CASUAL CONTRACT WORKERS FEDERATION

Casual labours were utilized by P and T Department from very earlier  days for laying cables and  telephone lines as also for fault-repair and maintenance. They were selected through employment exchanges. Telephone Line Inspectors and Sub-Inspectors engaged  them directly also, mainly from members  of their families, friends etc. Through departmental tests, many of them have been selected as Linemen as also to other class III and higher cadres through examinations. Sometimes it can be seen that many members of the same family are working in the department. I know of 5 Line Inspectors and their family members in the department in various cadres, who were first engaged as casual labours and promoted to higher cadres after passing examinations.

In 1988, Department of Telecom issued orders banning regularisation of casual labour as also recruitment. Though the ban was removed due to strong protest and agitation, ban orders were again issued in 1998.  One assurance which was given at the time of formation of BSNL in 2000 was that all  existing casual labour who have continuously worked 240 days or more  in a year without break  will be regularized. BSNL corporate office was to regularize them after getting relevant  details from  circles.

One of my important task as General Secretary after formation of BSNL, was to go to the concerned section in corporate office and ensure that the names recommended for confirmation from the circles are got regularised. Contacted circle secretaries regularly asking them to ensure that lists of all eligible casual labour are forwarded to C.O. without delay. About 5000 such casual labour were got regularized in this way.

Corporate office suddenly stopped regularization of casual labour in 2006, after an unfortunate judgment in the Supreme Court. It was an appeal case filed in the Supreme Court – State of Karnataka Vs Umadevi. There is equal right for all citizens for Government jobs and the fact that somebody has temporarily worked for some period, does not make him/ her eligible for permanent employment was the gist of the judgment. Cases of casual labour in Department of Telecom was entirely different. They were mostly recruited through employment exchange as per existing orders and there were clear rules for their regularization. Had continued till the SC judgment. It was also as per agreement between  recognized federations and  DOT. But BSNL was not prepared to accept our demand for regularization. The judgment came as an escape route for them to deny regularization.

BSNL Employees Union demanded that the remaining casual labour also should be regularized as has been done earlier. It was only due to unjustified delay by lower offices that the list could not reach C.O. Had they been received, those casual labour would have been regularized. On demand from BSNLEU, management referred the matter to Attorney General, who without going to the background of the case, gave opinion that they cannot be regulrised.

In addition to casual labours, thousands of contract workers had  been engaged by  DOT since 1990s, after  ban on engagement of casual labour. Wages of these contract workers were being paid through contractors, unlike in the case of casual labour, whose wages were directly paid by DOT. In most of the circles, facilities like EPF, ESI etc were not implemented for these contract workers as also wages fixed by the Chief Labour Commissioner. They were being brutally exploited. These contract workers numbering about one lakh were treated as wage slaves by  BSNL management and contractors.

In 2006, while I was on organizational tour of Puri, the   temple town of Odisha, saw a dharna being held before one sub-divisional office of telecom by about 20-15 contract labours. When asked about the demands, a woman worker, who was their leader, told they were neither paid  wages in full nor welfare measures like ESI, EPF etc. were implemented. They were getting about Rs.500 only per month, the rest being appropriated by the officers and the contractor.  Realised that some thing has got to be done to change this sad state of affairs and for getting justice to these hard working labours.

Kolkata All India Convention – 2008

Organizing  casual and contract workers was the main task at hand so that they can fight for their rights and demands. BSNLEU took up this responsibility. Contacted all circle secretaries and other prominent leaders and decided to hold an All India Convention of  Casual and Contract workers. The same was held at Kolkata on 14-15 March 2008, participated by about 500 workers.

I was entrusted with the task of inaugurating the Convention. Problems of  casual-contract workers and decision of the Guwahati AIC of BSNLEU in this connection was explained by me. The open session was inaugurated by Com.M.K.Pandhe, CITU President, who elaborately explained the rights  of the contract workers gained through various struggles. More than 1500 workers participated in the procession organized, which marched through the city.

As per unanimous decision of the Convention, the new union, BSNL Casual and Contract Workers federation (BSNLCCWF) was formed with V.A.N.Namboodiri as President and Com. Tapas Ghosh, a casual worker, as Secretary General. The Convention adopted a Declaration on the demand of the workers. The new union was  got registered.

It was not easy to form circle and divisional units. Officers and contractors were completely against formation of union created many hurdles. They very well understood that the new union will fight against exploitation and for the workers’ rights. When touring various circles as General Secretary of BSNLEU, took that opportunity to hold  meetings of casual contract workers and formed its units. In this way, the units of BSNLCCWF were formed in almost all the circles without much delay.

Wherever local/circle units of BSNLEU gave support and took initiative, BSNLCCWF units were formed. Kerala, T.Nadu, W.Bengal, Odisha, Karnataka and certain other circles became strong units of BSNLCCWF.

Through continuous struggles organized at All India and Circle levels, many improvements could be made with regard to payment of wages, implementation of ESI, EPF and other welfare measures.

Parliamentary Standing Committee on Labour

Issues of BSNL casual contract workers were brought for discussion in the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Labour, through initiative of Com.P.R.Natarajan, Member of Parliament (CPIM) from Coimbatore. It was a turn around. In its meeting held at Parliament Annexe on 14^th January 2011 under the Chairmanship of Shri Hemanad Biswal, M.P., there were about 30 M.P.s, Chief Labour Commissioner, Commissioners of EPF and ESI as also press reporters. I was called first to give evidence to the Committee. Gave the well prepared memorandum on the sad state of affairs with regard to wages, welfare measures like EPF, ESI etc as also the numbers of workers (even names of workers in some circles) circle wise and what they were being paid. Though I was allotted only 15 minutes, I could give evidence almost one hour as the other two unions which had been called to give evidence told the committee that their allotted time may be given to me. It was an exhaustive presentation. Questions asked by some M.P.s were replied. Tea and snacks were supplied to us in the adjoining room after our evidence was over.

We could see Secretary DOT, CMD BSNL and other top officers going to the Committee room when we were coming out. But within a few minutes, they were seen coming out. They marched out of the building with grim faces even foregoing tea and snacks offered to them. 

When enquired to press reporters it was revealed that when the Standing Committee asked about payment of wages etc. to the officers, they replied that it is completely the responsibility of the contractors. Irritated by this irresponsible answer, the Chairman is stated to have asked the officers to go through the relevant labour rules and come next time and dismissed them. It was a rude shock to DOT and BSNL oficers, who hitherto were taking the position that they have no direct responsibility, though they are the Principal Employer.

In continuation, meetings of the Parliamentary Standing Committees were held in Delhi, Mumbai, Gangtok (Sikkim) etc. and took evidence. I attended all these meetings with General Secretary and one or two other representatives and gave evidence. In between, the Committee was reconstituted with Com. Sudhakar Reddy, M.P. (CPI) as Chairman. In the meeting at Gangtok , committee members Comrades K.Chandran Pillai and C.S.Sujatha, M.P.s from Kerala, helped much by asking relevant questions to me and getting suitable replies.

After the first meeting of the Parliamentary Standing Committee, continuous discussions were held with the BSNL Management on the issues of the casual and contract workers. Details of each circle, even with names of the contract workers engaged, with the long period they had continuously worked, along with what wage they were receiving etc. were submitted to the management for necessary action. Many instructions were issued by the Corporate office ordering strict implementation of rules on payment of minimum wage, EPF, ESI etc. There was good improvement. Still exploitation continued in certain circles.

BSNLCCWF complained to the EPF Commissioner about non-implementation of EPF in many circles. BSNL officers were called and told by the Commissioner that strict action would be taken if the rules are not implemented. This also helped in settling a lot of cases.

Three  all India strikes were organized by BSNLCCWF on the major demands of the workers, which were fully participated. Chief Labour Commissioner held conciliation meetings several times and directed management to implement all labour rules in connection with the contract workers.  Since the officers (mainly GMs of Corporate Office) were not able to answer several questions of the CLC, he wanted  higher officers to attend and once Director (HR) came and gave evidence before the CLC.  Due to continued efforts, gratuity to contract workers is also under consideration.

After formation Conference in Kolkata, two AICs were held – at Lucknow in 2011 and at Kanya Kumari. Com. Animesh Mitra is the present Secretary General and I continues as President since its formation.

Now, the contract workers have not been paid  their wages for many months, on the plea of loss to BSNL. More than 50,000 workers have been retrenched and urgent works are outsourced. Despite sustained struggles, the situation has not improved.

This attitude on the part of  management is a reflection of the anti-worker attitude of Modi government. Sustained struggles will have to be organized. Whatever achievement has been made through continuous struggles for years are being taken away, especially during this covid-19 period, when, in fact,  the workers have to be given help and support. (to be continued)   

72. BSNL CASUAL CONTRACT WORKERS FEDERATION

Casual labours were utilized by P and T Department from very earlier  days for laying cables and  telephone lines as also for fault-repair and maintenance. They were selected through employment exchanges. Telephone Line Inspectors and Sub-Inspectors engaged  them directly also, mainly from members  of their families, friends etc. Through departmental tests, many of them have been selected as Linemen as also to other class III and higher cadres through examinations. Sometimes it can be seen that many members of the same family are working in the department. I know of 5 Line Inspectors and their family members in the department in various cadres, who were first engaged as casual labours and promoted to higher cadres after passing examinations.

In 1988, Department of Telecom issued orders banning regularisation of casual labour as also recruitment. Though the ban was removed due to strong protest and agitation, ban orders were again issued in 1998.  One assurance which was given at the time of formation of BSNL in 2000 was that all  existing casual labour who have continuously worked 240 days or more  in a year without break  will be regularized. BSNL corporate office was to regularize them after getting relevant  details from  circles.

One of my important task as General Secretary after formation of BSNL, was to go to the concerned section in corporate office and ensure that the names recommended for confirmation from the circles are got regularised. Contacted circle secretaries regularly asking them to ensure that lists of all eligible casual labour are forwarded to C.O. without delay. About 5000 such casual labour were got regularized in this way.

Corporate office suddenly stopped regularization of casual labour in 2006, after an unfortunate judgment in the Supreme Court. It was an appeal case filed in the Supreme Court – State of Karnataka Vs Umadevi. There is equal right for all citizens for Government jobs and the fact that somebody has temporarily worked for some period, does not make him/ her eligible for permanent employment was the gist of the judgment. Cases of casual labour in Department of Telecom was entirely different. They were mostly recruited through employment exchange as per existing orders and there were clear rules for their regularization. Had continued till the SC judgment. It was also as per agreement between  recognized federations and  DOT. But BSNL was not prepared to accept our demand for regularization. The judgment came as an escape route for them to deny regularization.

BSNL Employees Union demanded that the remaining casual labour also should be regularized as has been done earlier. It was only due to unjustified delay by lower offices that the list could not reach C.O. Had they been received, those casual labour would have been regularized. On demand from BSNLEU, management referred the matter to Attorney General, who without going to the background of the case, gave opinion that they cannot be regulrised.

In addition to casual labours, thousands of contract workers had  been engaged by  DOT since 1990s, after  ban on engagement of casual labour. Wages of these contract workers were being paid through contractors, unlike in the case of casual labour, whose wages were directly paid by DOT. In most of the circles, facilities like EPF, ESI etc were not implemented for these contract workers as also wages fixed by the Chief Labour Commissioner. They were being brutally exploited. These contract workers numbering about one lakh were treated as wage slaves by  BSNL management and contractors.

In 2006, while I was on organizational tour of Puri, the   temple town of Odisha, saw a dharna being held before one sub-divisional office of telecom by about 20-15 contract labours. When asked about the demands, a woman worker, who was their leader, told they were neither paid  wages in full nor welfare measures like ESI, EPF etc. were implemented. They were getting about Rs.500 only per month, the rest being appropriated by the officers and the contractor.  Realised that some thing has got to be done to change this sad state of affairs and for getting justice to these hard working labours.

Kolkata All India Convention – 2008

Organizing  casual and contract workers was the main task at hand so that they can fight for their rights and demands. BSNLEU took up this responsibility. Contacted all circle secretaries and other prominent leaders and decided to hold an All India Convention of  Casual and Contract workers. The same was held at Kolkata on 14-15 March 2008, participated by about 500 workers.

I was entrusted with the task of inaugurating the Convention. Problems of  casual-contract workers and decision of the Guwahati AIC of BSNLEU in this connection was explained by me. The open session was inaugurated by Com.M.K.Pandhe, CITU President, who elaborately explained the rights  of the contract workers gained through various struggles. More than 1500 workers participated in the procession organized, which marched through the city.

As per unanimous decision of the Convention, the new union, BSNL Casual and Contract Workers federation (BSNLCCWF) was formed with V.A.N.Namboodiri as President and Com. Tapas Ghosh, a casual worker, as Secretary General. The Convention adopted a Declaration on the demand of the workers. The new union was  got registered.

It was not easy to form circle and divisional units. Officers and contractors were completely against formation of union created many hurdles. They very well understood that the new union will fight against exploitation and for the workers’ rights. When touring various circles as General Secretary of BSNLEU, took that opportunity to hold  meetings of casual contract workers and formed its units. In this way, the units of BSNLCCWF were formed in almost all the circles without much delay.

Wherever local/circle units of BSNLEU gave support and took initiative, BSNLCCWF units were formed. Kerala, T.Nadu, W.Bengal, Odisha, Karnataka and certain other circles became strong units of BSNLCCWF.

Through continuous struggles organized at All India and Circle levels, many improvements could be made with regard to payment of wages, implementation of ESI, EPF and other welfare measures.

Parliamentary Standing Committee on Labour

Issues of BSNL casual contract workers were brought for discussion in the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Labour, through initiative of Com.P.R.Natarajan, Member of Parliament (CPIM) from Coimbatore. It was a turn around. In its meeting held at Parliament Annexe on 14^th January 2011 under the Chairmanship of Shri Hemanad Biswal, M.P., there were about 30 M.P.s, Chief Labour Commissioner, Commissioners of EPF and ESI as also press reporters. I was called first to give evidence to the Committee. Gave the well prepared memorandum on the sad state of affairs with regard to wages, welfare measures like EPF, ESI etc as also the numbers of workers (even names of workers in some circles) circle wise and what they were being paid. Though I was allotted only 15 minutes, I could give evidence almost one hour as the other two unions which had been called to give evidence told the committee that their allotted time may be given to me. It was an exhaustive presentation. Questions asked by some M.P.s were replied. Tea and snacks were supplied to us in the adjoining room after our evidence was over.

We could see Secretary DOT, CMD BSNL and other top officers going to the Committee room when we were coming out. But within a few minutes, they were seen coming out. They marched out of the building with grim faces even foregoing tea and snacks offered to them. 

When enquired to press reporters it was revealed that when the Standing Committee asked about payment of wages etc. to the officers, they replied that it is completely the responsibility of the contractors. Irritated by this irresponsible answer, the Chairman is stated to have asked the officers to go through the relevant labour rules and come next time and dismissed them. It was a rude shock to DOT and BSNL oficers, who hitherto were taking the position that they have no direct responsibility, though they are the Principal Employer.

In continuation, meetings of the Parliamentary Standing Committees were held in Delhi, Mumbai, Gangtok (Sikkim) etc. and took evidence. I attended all these meetings with General Secretary and one or two other representatives and gave evidence. In between, the Committee was reconstituted with Com. Sudhakar Reddy, M.P. (CPI) as Chairman. In the meeting at Gangtok , committee members Comrades K.Chandran Pillai and C.S.Sujatha, M.P.s from Kerala, helped much by asking relevant questions to me and getting suitable replies.

After the first meeting of the Parliamentary Standing Committee, continuous discussions were held with the BSNL Management on the issues of the casual and contract workers. Details of each circle, even with names of the contract workers engaged, with the long period they had continuously worked, along with what wage they were receiving etc. were submitted to the management for necessary action. Many instructions were issued by the Corporate office ordering strict implementation of rules on payment of minimum wage, EPF, ESI etc. There was good improvement. Still exploitation continued in certain circles.

BSNLCCWF complained to the EPF Commissioner about non-implementation of EPF in many circles. BSNL officers were called and told by the Commissioner that strict action would be taken if the rules are not implemented. This also helped in settling a lot of cases.

Three  all India strikes were organized by BSNLCCWF on the major demands of the workers, which were fully participated. Chief Labour Commissioner held conciliation meetings several times and directed management to implement all labour rules in connection with the contract workers.  Since the officers (mainly GMs of Corporate Office) were not able to answer several questions of the CLC, he wanted  higher officers to attend and once Director (HR) came and gave evidence before the CLC.  Due to continued efforts, gratuity to contract workers is also under consideration.

After formation Conference in Kolkata, two AICs were held – at Lucknow in 2011 and at Kanya Kumari. Com. Animesh Mitra is the present Secretary General and I continues as President since its formation.

Now, the contract workers have not been paid  their wages for many months, on the plea of loss to BSNL. More than 50,000 workers have been retrenched and urgent works are outsourced. Despite sustained struggles, the situation has not improved.

This attitude on the part of  management is a reflection of the anti-worker attitude of Modi government. Sustained struggles will have to be organized. Whatever achievement has been made through continuous struggles for years are being taken away, especially during this covid-19 period, when, in fact,  the workers have to be given help and support. (to be continued)