Category Archives: BSNL

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

23 Sunday Aug 2020

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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

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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 “Customer Delight Year 2011 – 12”

02 Sunday Aug 2020

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

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The meeting of the JAC held on 13th July 2011 discussed in detail about the implementation of the “Customer Delight Month”. The reports received from the General Secretaries showed that while in some centres, the observation has been effective, in many places the workers have not started the programme seriously. However, there have been improvement in almost all places. It was decided to extend the programme and convert it to “Customer Delight year 2011 – 12″. A Circular was issued in the mater signed by the Convener and all the General Secretaries.
The Director (HR) BSNL, Shri A.K.Garg issued a letter on 20th July 2011 to all the CGMs intimating that the JAC has decided to observe ” Customer Delight Year” and to ensure that all actions are taken to make the programme a success.

NFTE and FNTO requested to come back to JAC
As per the decision of the JAC, letters were addressed to NFTE and FNTO to come back to JAC. Discussion also took place. They stated that they will put the issue before their respective working committees.

JAC meeting with Secretary DOT on 04-08-2011
The JAC leaders met Shri Chandrasekhar, Secretary DOT on 04-08-2011 and discussed some of the issues raised by the JAC. Shri S.C.Misra, Member (Services) was also present. The following issues were discussed.
1. Absorption of ITS officers. 2. Against retaining of BSNL buildings with DOT. 3. National Broadband Network to be entrusted to BSNL. 4. Cancellation of licence of errant companies 5. Delay in payment of Revision of Pension from 01-01-2007 and its arrears. 6. BSNL’s pension contribution to be on the actual basic pay instead of on the maximum of the payscale.
Secretary DOT assured to consider all the matters positively.

Withdrawal of Medical Allowance, LTC, Leave encashment etc.
BSNL started posting loss from 2009 – 10. It was more loss in 2010 – 11. In this circumstance, instead of expanding the business, the BSNL management in the name of reducing expenditure issued orders withdrawing Medical Allowance without voucher , restrictions on LTC, curtailing leave encashment at the time of availing LTC etc. Further, the management did not take any action to pay bonus. This was done while the employees under the leadership of JAC were making all out efforts to improve the services and to make BSNL financially viable.

Dharna on 14th September 2011
The meeting of the JAC held on 7th September 2011 discussed the matter and decided to organise dharna on 14th September in SSA/Circle/Corporate office. A meeting was called by PGM(SR) to discuss the above issues. But there was no result. The dharna programme as decided was organised effectively with massive participation in all centres. This was a warning call to the government. (To be continued)

AIBDPA CALLS FOR COUNTRYWIDE PROTEST STANDING DHARNA ON 19-08-2020 AGAINST NON-PAYMENT OF MEDICAL BILLS & ALLOWANCES

02 Sunday Aug 2020

Posted by in AIBDPA - BSNL DOT Pensioners, BSNL

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COUNTRYWIDE PROTEST STANDING DHARNA ON 19-08-2020 AGAINST NON-PAYMENT OF MEDICAL BILLS & ALLOWANCES.

BSNL pensioners are suffering a lot due to non-payment of medical bills, both indoor & outdoor and medical allowance since 2018-19. CHQ has taken up the issue with the BSNL management several times, we wrote to the Hon’ble Minister for Communications and Hon’ble Prime Minister but of no avail. Meanwhile the BSNL management made payment of medical bills upto September, 2019 to the employees along with the June, 2020 salary. This is the first time that retirees are completely neglected and rather discriminated. In the past, the retirees were given priority in medical bill payments. We deserve to be treated at par , the least. This development has naturally created much anger and anguish among the pensioners. On 30-07-2020, Com.V A N Namboodiri, Advisor has brought the issue to the notice of the CMD, BSNL over telephone. But the CMD was not prepared to give any concrete assurance. So Comrades, we have no other alternative other than an agitation against this gross injustice and discrimination.

We are quite aware that the situation in the country is not conducive for conducting an agitation, particularly by the elders. Unfortunately, we are compelled and pushed to the streets by the BSNL management.

The Protest Action should be from 1100 to 1200 on 19-08-2020 by standing with placards before the BSNL offices by all our units. The programme should be held strictly to the Covid-19 protocol, keeping social distance and wearing masks. The participation be limited to 5 to 7 comrades in each centre. Only nearby comrades be organized and those staying far away should not be disturbed. Exemption may be given to areas where prohibitory orders are in force, triple lockdown declared etc. Detailed report and photos be sent to CHQ.

AIBDPA writes to Hon’ble Prime Minister on denial of Medical facilities under BSNL Medical Reimbursement Scheme to BSNL retirees since 2018-

17 Friday Jul 2020

Posted by in AIBDPA - BSNL DOT Pensioners, BSNL, Pension

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AIBDPA writes to Hon’ble Prime Minister on denial of Medical facilities under BSNL Medical Reimbursement Scheme to BSNL retirees since 2018- measures initiated by BSNL management to make payment of medical reimbursement only to the BSNL employees ignoring the retirees – urgent intervention sought.
AIBDPA/ MED-PM/2020 16th July, 2020
To
Shri Narendra Modi Ji
Hon’ble Prime Minister,
Government of India,
South Block,
New Delhi – 110 001
Respected Sir,
Sub: Denial of Medical facilities under BSNL Medical Reimbursement Scheme to BSNL retirees since 2018- measures initiated by BSNL management to make payment of medical reimbursement only to the BSNL employees ignoring the retirees – urgent intervention sought- reg.
We may kindly be permitted to bring to your notice one of the genuine and burning issues of the BSNL retirees for early intervention and redressal by your kindself.
We have great appreciation of your concern for the welfare of the senior citizens which have been expressed on several occasions. We take this opportunity to quote one such statement by your goodself. “One of our key priorities is the welfare of senior citizens and ensuring a good quality of life for them.”
In sharp contrast to your clear vision on the welfare of the senior citizens, the BSNL management is putting the BSNL retirees to utter distress by denying payment of their due medical claims for the last two years. This Association has taken up the issue with the CMD, BSNL several times through bilateral discussions and letters, but of no avail.
The sufferings of the retirees are beyond imagination, particularly during this difficult period of Covid-19. Pension Revision, due from 01-01-2017 is denied to BSNL retirees while their counterparts in central government have got two pension revisions according to 7th Pay Commission recommendations. You may kindly think about the plight of the hapless BSNL retirees who find it absolutely unable to purchase life saving medicines with the meager pension.
Meanwhile, the BSNL management made another attack on the BSNL retirees by curtailing the eligibility ceiling drastically for outdoor medical facilities through an Office Order dated 08-05-2020. The ceiling limit was reduced from 23 days pay + DA as on 1st April of the year of claim to 15 days pay + DA at the time of retirement. Despite opposition from all the organizations, both serving and retirees, the BSNL management was not even prepared to accept reasonable modifications of the Office Order. The worst affected are the past pensioners, particularly, pre 2007 retirees, as their DA at the time of retirement only is taken which is very meager.
Now, BSNL management has given instructions to add reimbursement of medical claims upto September, 2019 of BSNL employees with salary of June, 2020. Accordingly, pay slips are prepared and may be paid on receipt of the fund. We wholeheartedly welcome this move by the BSNL management. But at the same time we are at a loss to understand as to why retirees are ignored. What mistake these elders have committed for such a harsh, cruel and discriminatory treatment.
Respected Sir, there are BSNL pensioners suffering from chronic diseases like cancer, kidney and heart ailments. So also pensioners with geriatric ailments. They have to take medicines regularly and some of them have already died due to discontinuation of medicines. We do not know whether the BSNL management wants more such tragic incidents.
Therefore, we request the intervention of your kindself, to cause necessary action for payment of all pending medical claims, both indoor and outdoor, pending medical allowances ,onetime payment made for CGHS membership and to rescind the anti-pensioner office order dated 08-05-2020 by BSNL so that the hardships of BSNL pensioners are mitigated to a certain extent.
Thanking you,
Yours sincerely
K G Jayaraj
General Secretary
CC: (1) Shri Ravi Shankar Prasad, Hon’ble Minister for Communications & IT, Sanchar Bhawan, New Delhi-110001
(2) Shri Anshu Prakash, Secretary, Department of Telecommunications, Sanchar Bhawan, New Delhi-110001.
(3) Shri Kshtrapati Shivaji, Secretary, Department of Pension and Pensioners Welfare, Janpath Bhawan, B Wing, 8th Floor,New Delhi-110001.
(4) Shri P.K. Purwar, CMD BSNL, Bharat Sanchar Bhawan, Janpath, New Delhi-110001.

Restore the cash gift of Rs.3,001/- to the retiring employees – BSNLEU writes to the CMD BSNL.

17 Friday Jul 2020

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Restore the cash gift of Rs.3,001/- to the retiring employees – BSNLEU writes to the CMD BSNL.
The BSNL Management had been giving a cash gift of Rs.3,001/-, to each and every retiring employee. However, this cash gift has been withdrawn through an order issued by the Corporate Office on 08.01.2020. BSNLEU has written to the CMD BSNL demanding that the practice of offering cash gift of Rs.3,001/-, to the retiring employees should be restored. (BSNLEU website)

The payment of cash gift to the retiring employees along with shawl, suit case, appreciation letter etc. as a parting appreciation of the long period of excellent service of those retiring was taken in the meeting of the BSNL Welfare Committee meeting held on 12-06-2002 presided over by Shri Tapan Sikdar, Minister of State, Communications as per the suggestion of then General Secretary of BSNLEU, Com.V.A.N.Namboodiri. Rs. 1001 was the amount of cash gift decided then. It was gradually increased to Rs. 3001 as per the demand of the union. It is not correct on the part of the BSNL management to change a decision taken by the Communication Minister of State as also by agreement. Further it is unethical to withdraw the benefit given at the farewell of the employee. BSNL management should restore it immediately as demanded by BSNLEU.

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!

 

Sad news – Com. Sarbajit Singh, DS BSNLEU Amritsar no more

16 Thursday Jul 2020

Posted by in BSNL, Obituary, Tributes, Uncategorized

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Very sad news have been received that Com. Com.Sarbajit Singh, District Secretary, BSNLEU, Amritsar has passed away at 06.00 P.M. on 15th July 2020. He was not well for the past few days. He was only 58 years. He was very active in union activities and built up a strong union in the district.

I remember the early days when along with senior Punjab comrades visiting Amritsar on organisational tour. We did not have a strong union there at that time. But due to the continued efforts of Com.Sarbajit and his comrades, within a few years we could built up a strong base. He was also active in general trade union movement.

His premature death is a great loss.

My  heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, comrades and friends.

AUAB calls for agitational programmes on BSNL and workers issues

07 Tuesday Jul 2020

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

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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.

All the circle and district unions are requested to coordinate with the other constituents of the AUAB and to make the agitational programme a total success. Circle and district secretaries are requested to go through the AUAB circular for full details. (Courtesy: BSNLEU website)

Wages not paid to BSNL contract workers for more than one year. Immediate action required.

07 Tuesday Jul 2020

Posted by in BSNL, BSNLCCWF - Casual and Contract workers

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The contract workers engaged in BSNL have not been paid wages for more than one year on the plea by the management that the company is in financial crisis. Out of the 1 lakh workers earlier, about 50,000 stands retrenched, even with out paying their due wages. About 50,000 who are still working are also not paid wages. Despite instructions from the Chief Labour Commissioner and Labour Commissioners in the states, wages are not paid. This is not only violation of labour rules, but also an attack on the livelihood of the workers and their families.

BSNL Casual and Contract Workers Federation demands the BSNL Management to take a sympathetic view and give priority to the payment of wages to these low paid workers with the arrears. After VRS, BSNL is settling one after another payment, but least priority is given to payment of wages to contract workers. This is not acceptable. Payment has to be made urgently.