The Central government budget presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Seetharaman is completely anti-people budget. It is a budget for the corporates. Express Strong Protest.

PEN

PENSION REVISION- ILLUSIONS AND REALITIES.

Shri.. John Brittas M P has made an effective and strong intervention on the issue of Pension Revision to BSNL Pensioners with 15% fitment delinkIng wage revision from 01-01-2017.

The first letter dated 30-07-2021 in this regard to the Hon’ble Minister of Communications, Shri. Ashwini Vaishnaw was replied by the Minister on 06-09-2021.The reply was the same that his predecessor Shri. Ravi Shankar Prasad had stated earlier in Parliament. Pension Revision is intrinsically linked with wage revision .BSNL is not in a position to implement wage revision in view of its financial constraints. Moreover, there will be anomaly in Pension to the future retirees if pension revision is implemented without wage revision.

Shri.John Brittas MP countered these arguments of the Minister effectively and convincingly in his second letter to the Minister, of course, with the inputs provided by our CHQ. He categorically stated that Pension Revision of BSNL absorbed Pensioners is no way connected to the affordability conditions or bad financial position of BSNL, as the pension contributions of these retirees with combined service were paid to the government, that too at the maximum of their pay scales. There was an agreement with the then Staff Federations during the formation of BSNL that pension of the BSNL absorbed retirees will be paid by the government. Necessary amendments were also made in CCS ( Pension) Rules, 1972 to this effect. Further, the 60:40 condition was also scrapped by a Cabinet decision in 2016. Thus, the entire liability of pension and pensionary benefits of BSNL absorbed pensioners solely lies with the government.

Regarding anomaly in Pension to the future retirees, Shri.John Brittas pointed out that anomalies are common in almost every pay revision and pension revision and being settled with appropriate formula.The letter when published was well appreciated by the Pensioners through out the country.

May be due to this, one of the pensioners organisations, which had lost faith in the settlement through negotiation and struggles, filed case in the PCAT, New Delhi has managed a letter from an MP to the Minister of Communications. In this letter, it is demanded to convert IDA pay scales to CDA pay scales and pension revision with CPC fitment. It is also suggested that the possible loss in pension be compensated with grant of personal pension.!! This letter was circulated widely and drew flak from their own members.

OLD WINE IN NEW BOTTLE.

So this organisation has come out with another letter addressed to the Secretary, DoT. In this letter, they don’t prefer pension revision by conversion of IDA pay scales to CDA pay scales presumably due to the strong opposition. Once again they are for pension revision in IDA pay scales with 7th CPC fitment and have provided a calculation sheet also showing a benefit of 14.55% for both pre and post 2017 retirees.

The letter is intended to create illusions and utter confusion among the pensioners. Some innocent pensioners have started calculation of their benefit as if it is going to be ordered tomorrow. The fact is that no serious discussion has taken place in this regard. This organisation had claimed earlier also that their demand of 7th CPC fitment has been agreed to by DoT and DoP& PW. So let us not be befooled by these gimmicks.

We shall continue our efforts and fight for the pension revision with 15% fitment, recommended by the 3rd PRC and approved by the Government, delinkIng wage revision from 01-01-2017. Our demand on pension revision is based on Rule 37 A of CCS (Pension) Rules, 1972 and the precedence of pension revision from 01-01-2007. We cannot endanger the great achievements being enjoyed due to the first pay revision w e f 01-10-2000 and pension revision w e f 01-01-2007.

(Courtesy: AIBDPA CHQ)

Air India, a Govt of India undertaking, has been fully taken over by Tata by today, 27th January 2022. It is sold to Tata for a mere 18,000 crore by the government. with a large number of air fleet, many offices and land assets in centre of big cities, this amount is nothing but less than one tenth of the market price. The government is selling assets of the people one after another.

The 8th General Strike on 21st May 2003.

National Protest day on 14th March 2002.

As per the call of the Central Trade Unions AITUC, BMS, CITU, HMS, TUCC, UTUC and UTUC-LS the following action programmes were organised against the neo-liberal policies and anti-people, anti-worker decisions of the central government:
1. Massive Joint Conventions in the metropolis and industrial centres in February 2002.
2. National Protest Day on 14th March 2002 through massive joint demonstrations.
CPSTU Convention on 5th March 2002 – Strike on 16th April 2002
The All India Convention organised under the auspices of Committee of Public Sector Trade Unions (CPSTU) at Sapru House, New Delhi was participated by a large number of workers from the various PSUs. Com.E.Balanandan(CITU), Chittaranjan (AITUC) and other leaders presided. Com.V.A.N.Namboodiri addressed on behalf of BSNLEU along with many other leaders.
A detailed Resolution against the anti-worker policies of the government with specific mention about the attacks on the working class in various PSUs was adopted by the Convention. It was decided to organise a Countrywide Strike on 16th April 2002, AGAINST:
1. Outright sale or disinvestment of shares of PSUs
2. Downsizing /Retrenchment and uncalled for closure of sick PSUs
3. Attack on TU rights – Pro-employees changes in labor laws
4. Looting the working class and people by heavier tax burden.
The strike was a good success with massive participation.
CTU’s meeting on 15th July 2002
A meeting of Presidents and General Secretaries of Central Trade Unions AITUC, BMS, CITU, HMS, INTUC, AICCTU, TUCC, UTUC and UTUC(LS) as also Independent Federations was held at the the office of the HMS, Babar Road, New Delhi, presided by Com.Umraomal Purohit (HMS).
The Convention unanimously decided to consolidate the unity of the trade unions so far achieved and carry forward the unified struggle in support of the minimum demands in which all the CTUs are in agreement. A National Convention was decided to be held on 15th July 2002 for this purpose. The importance of this meeting was that more central trade unions have joined the common platform.
The National Assembly of Workers on 15th July 2002
On 15th July 2002, the Talkatora Stadium in New Delhi witnessed the National Assembly of Workers with more than 5000 representatives who have gathered to chalk out sustained struggles against the anti-labour and wrong economic policies of the NDA government. All the Central Trade Unions except BMS participated. Representatives unions of Central, State, PSU trade unions were also present.
The National Assembly decided to make the widest mobilisation of the masses against the anti-people policies of the government. V.A.N.Namboodiri participated and addressed representing telecom workers. The following action programmes were decided:
1. 19th August 2002 to be observed as Day of Pledge with continuous propaganda from 19th to 24th August 2002.
2. District level mobilisation on 23-28 September 2002
3. State level joint rallies on 18-23 November 2002
4. Massive Sathyagraha in all states.
These programmes were organised with massive participation.
Workers March to Parliament on 26th February 2002.
As per the call of the AICCTU, AITUC, CITU, HMS, INTUC, TUCC, UTUC, UTUC (LS) and Independent Federations, lakhs of workers from all parts of India marched towards Parliament on 26-02-2003 protesting against the wrong policies of the government and focussing on the demands of the workers. About 300 comrades from BSNLEU also participated. The march was stopped at the Ranjt Singh Flyover by police, where the rally was held. M.K.Pandhe, (CITU), Umraomal Purohit (HMS), Gurudas Dasgupta (AITUC) and other leaders addressed.
A detailed resolution was adopted against the anti-people policies of the government. It was decided to hold a wider consultation meeting on 12th March 2003 to decide the date of the strike and other details of the Charter of Demands.
The National Consultation Meeting of Trade Unions held on 12th March 2003 at New Delhi finalised the Charter of Demands and called upon the workers to go on a Countrywide General strike on 21st May 2003 with intensive campaign and preparatory action programmes.
The Eight General Strike on 21-05-2003
The General Strike on 21st May 2003 was participated by crores of workers, the biggest strike since the struggle started against the neo-liberal policies. Even the national dailies reported the strike in a very positive way mentioning about its success.

Com.E.M.Sasi (65), youngest son of Com. EMS Namboodiripad passed away today at Mumbai due to heart attack. Heartfelt condolences.

1. The Sixth General Strike on 11^th May 2000

NPMO All India convention on 20-01- 2000

An All India Convention called by  the National Platform of Mass Organisations was held at Constitution Club Hall on 20^th January 2000. More than 5000 delegates from Central- State Government-Public Sector, Kisan, Agricultural , Youth , Students, Women  etc. participated.

The Presidium included Coms. E.Balanandan (CITU), J.Chitharanjan (AITUC), A.D.Nagpal (HMS), Swapan Roy (UTUC), N.N.Krishna Das (DYFI), V.A.N.Namboodiri (Telecom) and others. The Convention was addressed by Coms M.K.Pandhe (CITU), A.B.Bardhan (AITUC) K.Varadarjan (Kisan Sabha), A.Vijaya Raghavan (Agricultural Workers Union), Brinda Karat (AIDWA), S.K.Vyas (Confederation) R.L.Bhattacharjee (NFPE) and others. In his speech Com. VAN announced the decision of telecom workers to go on One Day Strike on 15^th February 2000 against corporatisation,  which was received with loud cheers.

The Convention adopted a detailed Resolution calling upon the mass organisations to organise country wide campaign and agitational programmes against the neo-liberal, anti-people policies being implemented by the BJP government. A Charter of Demands on major issues was adopted with the following programme of action:

1. Holding of State district level conventions by February 2000
2. Massive Rally before Parliament on 9^th  March 2000.
3. Countrywide General Strike during Budget Session, the date of which will be decided later.

National Convention of Central Govt. Employees and Workers.

A National Convention of the CG E and W was held at New Delhi on 8^th March 2000 to discuss about the Parliament March and also to take decision on the Charter of Demands for the strike. The Convention was presided by Coms. Barda Bhattacharya, T.Narayanan, V.A.N.Namboodiri and others. The Convention was addressed by leaders of CG employees including Coms S.K.Vyas, K.K.N.Kutty, R.L.Bhattacharjee, VAN and other leaders. The Convention gave a call to organise 19^th April as Anti-Down Sizing Day.

Workers March to Parliament on 9^th March 2000

The massive March to Parliament organised under the auspices of the National Platform of Mass Organisations was attended by tens of thousands of workers. National leaders of trade Unions addressed the Rally held at the conclusion of the March. The Rally called upon the workers to organise One Day General Strike on 11^th May 2000 on the Charter of demands already approved in the earlier Convention.

The General Strike on 11^th May 2000.

It was a mighty and extremely successful General Strike on 11^th May 2000. In Assam, W.Bengal, Kerala, Bihar and A.P., the strike was converted in to a bandh. The train services in many states were stopped by picketting. In all the states strike was widespread. More than 2.5 crore workers participated all over India.

The Strike had its echo in the Parliament.  175 M.P.s belonging to CPI(M), CPI,RSP, Forward Block, RJD, SP, NCP, AIADMK, BSP, AGP,RPI, Muslim League and JD(S) observed Dharna at the main entrance of the Parliament House. Though demanded for a discussion in the Parliament, it was denied by the government.  Hence the proceedings were stalled.

The strike has shown that the working class with the support of the people are determined to fight against the disastrous economic policies of the BJP Government. The General strike was a warning to the government of sustained struggles for achievement the demands of the workers.

.The  Fifth General Strike on 11^th December 1998

National Convention of Mass Organisations on 15^th July 1995

A National Convention of mass organisation of workers, peasants, agricultural wokers, women, youth, students, employees and other sections of working people was held at Mavlankar Hall, New Delhi on 15^th July 1995 to discuss about the serious situation arising out of the disastrous economic and industrial policy of the government which was creating havoc in the country as a whole. The Convention was attended by thousands from all over the country.

It reviewed the earlier struggles by the working class and the present situation arising out of the anti-people policies of the government. Bitter result of the GATT agreement could be seen by increased exploitation and loot of the people. The new economic policy has brought much hardship. There is not a single section of the working people who remain unaffected by them.

The public distribution system has virtually collapsed. Number of unemployed are increasing. Due to closure of industries more than one crore twenty four lakhs workers are rendered jobless. Unemployment in rural areas are much more.

Reduction in agricultural subsidy has seriously and adversely affected the peasants. Public Sector Units are being closed or disinvested. Giant foreign companies are capturing the markets.

Communal forces have become more agressive, with the government sitting silent. Women are the worst sufferers due to the new economic policy. Attacks on trade union and democratic funactioning continue.

After speeches by the national leaders and discussion, a Charter of Demands including all major demands was adopted with the following agitational programmes:

1. State/District level conventions by September 1995.
2. Protest Rallies in District head Quarters on 15^th September.
3. Organising Padayatras in states.
4. Massive Dharna in front of Parliament in November 1995.
5. Preparing for a Nationwide industrial and other actions by all constituents of the National Platform of mass Organisations.

The programmes were implemented effectively.

Another National Convention under the auspices of the National Platform of Mass Organisations was held at New Delhi on 12^th August 1998 and the following programme of actions was decided:

1. Holding of State/District level Conventions to be completed by October 1998
2. Massive rallies at State capitals in November 1998.
3. Nationawide General Strike on 11^th December 1998.

General Strike on 11^th December 1998

As per the decision of the National Convention, the General Strike was organised with participation of more than 4 crore workers. It completely paralyed the industrial activity in the country. Industrial workers, employees of  Central and State government and public sector, teachers, peasantry, agricultural labourers – all participated in this massive strike action. The Swadeshi, anti-MNC mask of BJP while in opposition was exposed when it came in to power. It was surrendring to the IMF-World Bank combine as like the earlier Congress government.

The successful December 11^th General Strike has shown that the workers and common people are determined to resist and defeat the anti-people policies of the government.

 

5. The Fourth General Strike on 29^th September 1994

Despite the strong opposition from the workers and their unions against the neo-liberal policy and three general strikes in 1991,1992 and 1993, the central government was moving forward with its IMF prescribed economic policies which was making the life of the people miserable. The Government had signed the diabolic GATT agreement which is a complete sell out of the national interests and provides for unhindered loot of the Indian people by the multinational companies in colloboration with the Indian monopoly capital.The WTO-IMF-World Bank combine continues its exploitation of the third world countries by its anti-people conditionalities  for taking loans or getting financial assistance.

The Public Sector was being dismantled systematically by the central government. While sick units are being referred to BIFR, profitmaking PSUs are being disinvested or privatised. Various sectors are indiscriminately opened to greedy multinationals. Many welfare schemes are being winded up resulting in loss of jobs for tens of thousands. Recruitment in central services are almost banned. Unemployment is increasing, with lakhs of youngsters roaming the streets in search of jobs to maintain their families.

Due to strong resistance from the workers, government has been unable to pass the anti-worker Industrial Relations Bill, but the same has not been abandoned. The New Recognition Rules for the Central Government Employees’ Unions will take away many of their existing rights and privileges.

National Convention on 21^st June 1994.

The National Convention called by the National Platform of Mass Organisations (NPMO) held on 21^st June at Talkatora Stadium New Delhi and attended by thousands of workers nationwide and addressed by the central trade union leaders, discussed all these issues in detail and adopted a lengthy resolution in which the major demands were spelt out and programme of action finalised.

Action Programme:

1. Extend full support to the All India Dharna before Prime Minister’s Residence on June 22 and the All India Strike of the central PSU workers on 14^th July called by the Committee of Public Sector Trade Unions (CPSTU).
2. State/District/Industry wise conventions to be completed by middle of August 1994.
3. National Protest Week to be organised from 3^rd to 9^th
4. All India Rail Roko on 20^th September 94
5. Countrywide Torch Light Processions on 27^th September
6. One Day countrywide General Strike on 29^th September 1994.

All the programmes were effectively organised. State Conventions were held with masive participation.

The General Strike on 29^th September 1994 was a great success with very good participation nation wide. The central employees, including telecom workers, participated in large numbers. It was a warning to the central government which was continuing its anti-people, anti-worker policies

The Co-ordination Committee of BSNLEU, AIBDPA & BSNL CCWF had given a call for Black Badge wearing Demonstration and submission of Memorandum to the GMs and CGMs on 25-01-2022. The issues raised for the protest action are; (1) Immediate payment of IDA arrears (2) Immediate payment of medical benefits to BSNL retirees (3) Timely holding of LICEs and (4) Immediate payment of wage arrears to the contract workers. However, the situation all over the country is not condusive for conducting the programme due to alarmingly spreading the Omicron variant of Covid-19. Therefore, the Co-ordination Committee has decided to defer the Demonstration on 25-01-2022. The next date of the programme will be announced by the COC in due course based on the positive change of the pandemic situation.