Category Archives: AUAB

Sustained Struggles to save BSNL 31 – National Convention of BSNL Employees on 3rd August 2013

30 Sunday Aug 2020

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National Convention of BSNL Employees on 03-08-2013.

A National Convention of BSNL employees was held on 3rd August 2013 at Mavlankar Hall, New Delhi  which was attended by more than 1000 delegates from all parts of India. The Convention was organised by the Forum of BSNL Unions and Associations to discuss and decide the measures to be taken for improving the financial position of BSNL and also for improving the services.

Com.C.Singh Chairman presided and Com.V.A.N.Namboodiri, Convener welcomed the guests and delegates and presented the draft resolution to be discussed in the convention. Central trade union leaders including S/Shri Gurudas Dasgupta M.P and General Secretary AITUC, Swaddesh Dev Roy, Secretary CITU, B.N.Rai, General secretary BMS, Dr. Udit Raj, President All India SC/ST Employees Federation, Thomas John, Org. Secretary INTUC, R.Venkatraman, LPF and others addressed. They strongly criticised the anti-worker policies of the UPA government. They also supported the demand of employees for the revival of BSNL and MTNL. They assured to take up the issues with the government.

Convention was addressed by all the leaders of affiliated unions/associations of Forum.Convention unanimously adopted the declaration presented in the convention. The convention called upon the workers to organise similar conventions at Circle / SSA levels. ( to be continued).

Sustained Struggles to save BSNL – 30 Agitational programmes continue

27 Thursday Aug 2020

Posted by in AUAB, BSNLEU

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The meeting of the Forum held on 24th January 2013 discussed about the long pending issues like 78.2% IDA fixation,ITS repatriation, 30% fitment/  5 increments for post-2007 recruited employees, procure of equipment, formation of BBNL and its adverse impact etc.

The following programmes were decided and implemented with massive participation.

  1. Savingram to Secretary DOT on 28-30 January 2013.
  2. Lunch hour demonstration on 11th  February 2013.
  3. Dharna on 15th February 2013 at SSA level.

Child Care Leave order issued. Consequent to continued pressure from the Forum, the orders on Child care Leave was issued on 08-03-2013. It was a great relief to the women employees.

Memorandum to the GoM on revival of BSNL

In the meantime, the  government of India appointed a Group of Ministers with Shri P.Chidambaram, Finance Minister, as Chairman to suggest means and ways to revive BSNL and MTNL. This was similar to the appointment of Sam Pitroda Committee in 2010, which only recommended measures which will weaken BSNL and MTNL like VRS for one lakh employees, disinvestment of 30% of shares etc.

Despite this background the Forum of BSNL Unions and Associations gave a detailed memorandum to the Chairman of GoM with many important suggestions. A detailed introduction on the growth and development of telecommunications was also given as introductory remarks. Copy was sent to Prime Minister and concerned ministers. Though Forum requested for a hearing, no such meeting took place.  This showed the casual attitude of the GoM to the most important issues suggested by the unions.

Notice for Indefinite Strike from 12th June 2013.

Since the issues taken up with the BSNL Management were not being settled, the Forum decided for agitational programmes including strike from 12th June 2013. In preparation for the strike, Lunch Hour demonstrations were held on 11-06-2013. Press Conference was also held. Met the Secretary BRPSE, since the 78.2% issue was referred to BRPSE unnecessarily.

Orders on 78.2% IDA fixation and call off of Indefinite Strike from 12-06-2013.

Seeing the full preparations for the Indefinite Strike, BSNL Management and DOT moved fast. They were delaying the issue of orders on 78.2% IDA fixation on which agreement was made one year back on the eve of the strike from 13th June 2012. The orders on 78.2% IDA fixation was approved by the DOT on 10th June 2013 and the orders were issued on the same day. This was a great achievement, considering the fact that BSNL was in loss and was facing severe financial crisis.

The Forum met on 11th June 2013 and after review of the entire situation decided to call off the strike. The meeting of the forum held on 13th June seriously discussed about the revival of BSNL and decided that massive campaign among employees as also public should be organised to give wide propaganda. Accordingly, it was planned to organise an All India convention at Delhi followed by Circle/ SSA conventions within the next three months. Forum demanded the management to conduct the Works Committee meetings regularly to discuss the development and expansion with the unions. Forum also formed a Core Committee with Comrades V.A.N.Namboodiri (Convener), P.Abhimanyu (BSNLEU), K.Sebastin (SNEA), C.Singh (NFTE), Prahlad rai(AIBSNLEA),K.Jaya Prakash (FNTO) and N.D.Ram (SEWA BSNL) to meet on regular basis and implement decisions.   (to be continued)

Sustained Struggles to save BSNL – 29 – ITS Officers absorption issue

23 Sunday Aug 2020

Posted by in AUAB, BSNL, BSNLEU

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ITS Absorption

Despite continued demands, the ITS officers absorption in BSNL was not settled. The meeting of the Forum on 04-09-2012 decided to organise Lunch Hour demonstration on 18th September 2012 and the same was effectively implemented.

The Forum leaders met Secretary DOT and also CMD BSNL on the implementation of 78.2%IDA fixation and ITS absorption issue. But there was no progress. Hence the Forum decided that the court case for getting intervention in the ITS absorption issue in the Delhi Court to be pursued effectively. We should demand the BSNL management and government that  the repatriation issue should be settled as er Govt. DPE guide lines. Failing the above, all absorbed employees should demand for repatriation to DOT.

In order to settle the demands, it was decided to organise Savingram Campaign demanding immediate repatriation of ITS. A dharna to be organised on 15th October. Parliament march  to be organised on 26th October and relay Hunger Strike from 29th October to 3rd November 2012.

Savingram campaign

As per decision, savingrams were sent to Prime Minister, Communications Minister, Cabinet secretary, Secretary DOT and CMD BSNL. Massive dharnas were also organised. In the meanwhile the unions/associations in MTNL were also contacted since the ITS absorption was a common issue to both PSUs.

Joint Forum of BSNL , MTNL Unions/Associations

The meeting of the Joint Forum of BSNL MTNL unions/associations was held on 25th October  presided by Com.M.K.Bagchi, Convener of the United Forum of MTNL unions/associations. Com.V.A.N.Namboodiri, Convener, Joint Forum of BSNL Unions/Associations reported the latest developments. It was decided that a Joint Forum of BSNL MTNL Unions/Associations be formed with Com.Bagchi as Chairman and Namboodiri as Convener. The Parliament March earlier decided will be made a joint action by both BSNL and MTNL employees. In preparation for the parliament March, Joint demonstrations were held in Delhi and Mumbai on 8th November 2012.

Mammoth Parliament March on 22nd November 2012.

On the day of the Parliament March, workers started reaching from early hours. Hundreds of workers from nearby states came. Wall posters were pasted on the BSNL MTNL buildings. A mighty  demonstration took before the BSNL MTNL offices before the March started. The March was led by the leaders of JF. The workers held placards, banners and flags of all unions in large numbers. March participated by thousands of workers went through the town towards parliament, but was stopped at the Parliament Police station by the police with barricades. March was converted in to a rally there which  was addressed by Parliament members, Com. Basudeb Acharya and Shri Arjun Meghbal. Leaders of the JF and unions/associations also spoke. Chairman and Convener, Coms. M.K.Bagchi and V.A.N.Namboodiri went and presented the memorandum to the Prime Minister.

Murder of Com. Sukhender Singh, District Secretary, BSNLEU, GHaziabad.

The meeting of the Joint Forum held on 25th October 2012 condemned the murder of Com. Sukhender Singh DS BSNLEU Ghaziabad by the GM Ghaziabad and demanded the BSNL Management to take immediate action against the GM by suspension/transfer and filing FIR. (to be continued).

 

 

Sustained Struggles to save BSNL – 28 Discussion with CMD BSNL and agreement

19 Wednesday Aug 2020

Posted by in AUAB, BSNL, BSNLEU

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After receipt of the strike notice, a meeting was called by CMD BSNL on 11-06-202 continued on 12-06-2012. All the General Secretaries were present. After protracted discussions, the following agreement was reached between the Forum and the management:

Agreement on 12-06-2012
1. Revision of pay is agreed as per fitment benefit @ 78.2% wef from 01-01-2007 subject to approval by the competent authority. However, actual payment will be made prospectively and the arrears will be deferred for the time being and will be paid only when the financial position of the company improves. This will be applicable for the pensioners also.
2. Medical reimbursement with voucher for out-door treatment, Professional Upgradation Allowance and HRA will continue to be paid at basic pay with 68.8% fitment. Payment of these allowances will be reviewed on 01-04-2013, subject to the financial position of the company.
3. All other allowances ie. Children Education Allowance, Tution Fee, Hostel Subsidy, Family Planning Allowance etc. will continue to be paid at the present rates.
4. The issue of implementation of Child Care Leave will be taken up with BSNL Board for re-consideration.
5. For the purpose of provision of superannuation benefits to directly recruited employees, as per the DPE guide lines, a committee will be constituted to re-examine the issues and give its recommendations.

With the signing of this agreement, the Forum of BSNL Unions/ Associations and FNTO decided to defer their proposed indefinite strike from 13th June 2012.
The agreement was signed by Shri N.K.Narang GM(SR) on behalf of the management. The following signed on behalf of the Forum: Coms. P.Abhimanyu (BSNLEU),Prahlad Rai(AIBSNLEA), Islam Ahmed(NFTE), S.V.S.Subramaniam (BTEU BSNL), Suresh Kumar (BSNLMS), N.D.Ram (SEWA BSNL), K.Sebastin (SNEA), Zile Singh (NTSU), H.P.Singh (BSNLOA), R.P.Sahu(AIGETOA), K.Jayaprakash (FNTO), S.P.Sharma(WRU), Hari Singh (BTU) and D.P.Patwa (AIBCTES).

The agreement was a great success in the situation when the company was in loss. The struggle of the workers was not in vain. The large mobilisation of the workers, their preparation for strike to ensure justice – all created a situation where the management was compelled to discuss and agree to the reasonable demands of the workers.
The meeting of the Forum on 4th September 2012 discussed in detail about the pending issues and also full implementation of the agreement signed on 12-06-2012. It was understood that the BSNL Board has approved 78.2% IDA fixation, but he same will have to be approved by DOT. No decision has been taken about the child care Leave. (To be continued)

Sustained Struggles to save BSNL – 27 One Day Strike on 15th December 2011.

04 Tuesday Aug 2020

Posted by in AIBDPA - BSNL DOT Pensioners, AUAB, BSNLEU

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JAC decides for One Day Strike on 10th October 2011

The meeting of the JAC held on 21st September 2011 discussed all the above issues and decided to organise agitational programmes including strike for settlement of the present issues. The following  programmes were decided:

  1. One Day Fast on 29-09-2011  2. One Day Strike on 10-10-2011

It was also proposed to meet as many members of Parliament as possible and seek their support for the demands and agitation. The strike noticee was issued on 22-09-2011 with the following demands:

1.No VRS  2. Immediate payment of Bonus (PLI)  3. Restoration of Medical Allowance, Leave encashment and LTC  4. Immediate conclusion of the process of ITS absorption 5. 78.2% IDA fixation   6. Immediate procurement and supply of equipment including GSM, BB Modem, Cables, Trans SMS, MLLN etc and implementation of important business projects like ERP, NGN and transmission NMS. 7. Government policy issues: a) Compensation for loss making rural services according to policy commitments. b) Pension Contribution to DOT only on actual basic pay  instead of maximum of the pay scale.  c) Refund of Rs. 8,313 crore paid towards non-standard BWA spectrum band  d) Grant of flexibility in selecting circles choice for 3 G spectrum  e) Access Deficit Charge (ADC) should be quantified through adequate and appropriate mechanism and paid to BSNL  f) Reimbursement of Licence Fee as assured at the time of corporatisation  g) Refund of “Notional Loan” of rs. 7,500 crore with interest to BSNL collected by DOT h) Discontinue all telecom Advisory Committees.

The Strike notice was signed  by Comrades V.A.N.Namboodiri, Convener, JAC, P.Abhimanyu (BSNLEU), G.L.Jogi (SNEA), P.Venugopal (AIBSNLEA), V.Subburaman (TEPU), Suresh Kumar (BSNL MS), R.K.Ram (BTU BSNL), Gajendra Kumar (BTEU), S.C.Gaur ( BSNLOA), N.D.Ram (SEWA BSNL), and R.K.Kohli (NFTBE).

As per the decision, massive dharnas were held on 27th September 2011 at SSA/Circle /C.O levels successfully.

Strike postponed for broader unity

The JAC contacted NFTE and FNTO leaders who were keeping away from the JAC for some time and requested that they may join JAC and also participate in the one day strike proposed on 10th October. Both unions agreed to join the strike. It was postponed so that they will get the time to prepare. Accordingly the strike was postponed to 15th  December. The fresh Strike Notice was issued on 17-11-2011 signed by Comrades V.A.N.Namboodiri, Convener JAC, P.Abhimanyu (BSNLEU), G.L.Jogi (SNEA), Prahlad Rai (AIBSNLEA), V.Subburaman (TEPU), Suresh Kumar (BSNL MS), R.K.Kohli (NFTBE), Kanchilal (SEWA BSNL), R.K.Ram (BTU BSNL) and G.S.Gaur (BSNLOA). NFTE and a few other unions will issue separate notice and participate in the strike.

Outsourcing / leasing of tower, Optical Fibre opposed.
JAC in its meeting on 04-10-201 strongly opposed the above outsourcing and addressed a letter to the CMD BSNL and also a Press release issued.

Strike preparation in full swing
The preparation fr the strike was in full swing. JAC issued a circular signed by all the unions. Press releases were issued. Many M.P.s were contacted and their support sought.An appeal was prepared and sent to all M.P.s. Wall posters were printed and circulated. Campaign meetings were held in all places to make the strike successful. In this context, BSNL Management under the Chairmanship of Shri A.K.Garg Director (HR) held discussion with JAC leaders.All the issues in the strike notice were discussed but no satisfactory decision was taken by the management. JAC leaders informed that since no agreement has been reached the strike will take place as decided. Rallies in preparation of the one day strike was organised at SSA/Circle/CO levels on 8th December 2011 with good participation. A conciliation meeting held by the CLC on 15-12-2011 could not resolve the issue.

One Day Strike on 15th December 2011
The strike on 15th December was a great success. Though FNTO did not participate and also issued statement opposing the strike, it did not have any effect. The strike was completely participated by the workers. The reports from all places indicated that the workers were aware of the serious situation and had come forward to participate in the strike and save BSNL and the workers. Many Federations / Unions supported and extended solidarity to the struggle of the BSNL employees.

This was the end of 2011. In this year alone 25 meetings of the JAC were held and important decisions taken. (to be continued)

AUAB on Struggle Path – Organised Black Badge wearing and Demonstration on 16th July 2020

16 Thursday Jul 2020

Posted by in AUAB, BSNL

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BSNL Employees as per the call of the All Unions and Associations of BSNL (AUAB) organised Black Badge wearing and Demonstration on the following demands on 16-07-2020

(i) BSNL should immediately be allowed to roll out its 4G Services.

a) BSNL should take immediate actions to upgrade the 4G compatible BTSs.

b) Add on order for 4G equipments as per Phase VIII.4 tender should be issued immediately.

c) In the matter of procuring new equipments and upgradation, there should not be any discrimination, between BSNL and other private telecom service providers.

(ii)The Government should immediately implement the decisions contained in BSNL Revival Package.

(iii) Urgent measures should be undertaken by the BSNL Management for immediately improving the quality of service.

(iv) The Management should ensure that the salary payment of the employees is made on the last working of every month. Deductions made from employees salary, on account of society dues, should immediately be remitted.

(v) The Management should immediately take steps to ensure that the employees get cashless treatment from empanelled hospitals during Covid-19 pandemic. The Management should pay Rs.10 lakh to the family of the employees who die due to COVID-19, based on the instructions issued by the DoT in such cases.

(vi) Make payment of the wage arrears of the contract workers, which is remaining pending for more than 1 year, without any further delay.

(vii) Immediately clear the payment of pending electricity bills, rental, vehicle, temporary advance, housekeeping etc.

Congratulations to the AUAB and BSNL workers!

 

AUAB DECISION FOR OBSERVANCE OF BLACK DAY ON 16-07-2020- AIBDPA FULLY SUPPORTS AND EXTENDS SOLIDARITY

10 Friday Jul 2020

Posted by in AIBDPA - BSNL DOT Pensioners, AUAB

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AUAB DECISION FOR OBSERVANCE OF BLACK DAY ON 16-07-2020- AIBDPA FULLY SUPPORTS AND EXTENDS SOLIDARITY AND REQUESTS ALL THE UNITS TO PARTICIPATE, WHEREVER POSSIBLE ACCORDING TO LOCAL CONDITION..

The AUAB meeting held yesterday the 06.07.2020 has decided to call on the BSNL employees to organise lunch hour black flag demonstrations on 16.07.2020. It is also decided that the employees should wear black badge on that day. The following are the agitational programme and charter of demands, as decided in yesterday’s meeting.

Agitational programme.

All the employees are called upon to wear black badge on 16.07.2020. Black flag demonstrations are to be organised by the employees during lunch hour on 16.07.2020, against the cancellation of BSNL’s 4G tender and against the road blocks being created in the rolling out of BSNL’s 4G services.
A memorandum is to be submitted to all the MPs during the period from 13.07.2020 to 31.07.2020, urging upon them to intervene in favour of BSNL’s expeditious rolling out of 4G network, as well as the early revival of BSNL.
Twitter campaign is to be organised on 05.08.2020, demanding immediate rolling out of 4G network by BSNL and implementation of the assurances given in the Revival Package.

Demands:

BSNL should immediately be allowed to roll out it’s 4G Services.
BSNL should take immediate actions to upgrade the 4G compatible BTSs.
Add on order for 4G equipments as per Phase VIII.4 tender should be issued immediately.
In the matter of procuring new equipments and upgrdation, there should not be any discrimination, between BSNL and other private telecom service providers.
The Government should immediately implement the decisions contained in BSNL’s Revival Package, like extension of Sovereign Guarantee for the issuing of Bonds.
Urgent measures should be undertaken by the BSNL Management for immediately improving the quality of service.
The Management should ensure that the salary payment of the employees is made on the last working of every month.
The Management should immediately take steps to ensure that the employees get cashless treatment from empanelled hospitals during Covid 19 pandemic. The Management should pay Rs.10 lakh to the family of the employees who die due to COVID-19. Based on the instructions issued by the DoT, the Postal Department has already introduced such a scheme to it’s employees.
(BSNLEU WEBSITE)

Prime Minister should intervene to save BSNL

09 Saturday May 2020

Posted by in AIBDPA - BSNL DOT Pensioners, AUAB, BSNL, BSNLEU

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Despite many assurance about the Revival of BSNL, the government is trying to scuttle the efforts of BSNL to purchase 4 G equipment and start services. Objections raised by the private companies are being considered and tender being frozen. AUAB has strongly opposed and wide publicity is given in the press also.

If the government is sincere about the Revival of BSNL, then immediate action is to be taken to purchase equipment on the basis of the tenders floated and start 4 G services.

The Prime minister should intervene and set right the matter.

Conspiracy to deny 4G equipment supply to BSNL – AUAB writes to the Prime Minister, seeking his intervention..

07 Thursday May 2020

Posted by in AIBDPA - BSNL DOT Pensioners, AUAB, BSNL, BSNLEU

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The TEPC (Telecom Equipment and Services Export Promotion Council), an association of the Indian Telecom Equipment Manufactures, has complained to the government that, BSNL has violated the “Make in India” policy, in the procurement of 4G equipments. In the 4G tender floated by BSNL on 20.03.2020, the BSNL is laid down the following two conditions.

The bidding company should have the previous experience of providing 20 million 4G line network.
The bidding company should have Rs.8,000 crore turn over in the previous two financial years.

Both these conditions are very much required to ensure the quality of 4G equipments and also their prompt supply. Based on the complaint of the TEPC, the Commerce Department and the DoT have objected to BSNL’s tender. The whole intention of the TEPC is to see BSNL does not start it’s 4G service. If BSNL does not launch it’s 4G service expeditiously, naturally it is the private companies like Jio, Airtel and Vodafone Idea which are going to get benefitted. So, we can understand whose hands are there behind the complaint of TEPC. Similar conspiracies have been hatched earlier also, to kill BSNL. Now, it has become the duty of the unions and associations of BSNL to ensure that BSNL gets 4G equipments from this tender. As a first step, the AUAB has written to the Prime Minister, seeking his intervention. If necessary, the AUAB has to take more serious steps to ensure that, BSNL gets 4G equipments. (courtesy: bsnleu website.)

Blocking BSNL 4G Tender – PM, Communications Minister should intervene.

07 Thursday May 2020

Posted by in AUAB, BSNL, General

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History is repeating.

After the declaration of the  Communications minister on BSNL Revival, BSNL management has started preparation for 4 G introduction and called for global tenders. But again the private telecom companies through various sources are trying to to stop it and  on the complaint of the TEPC, the tender is being delayed or dropped. This is a repetition what happened earlier when BSNL called for tenders for 4.5 crore and 9 crore mobile equipment.

All Unions Associations of BSNL has written to the Prime Minister and Communications Minister to seek their intervention for clearing the tender and stopping unnecessary intervention by private companies etc.

The Government should act quickly to save BSNL.