Category Archives: BSNLEU

Sustained Struggles to save BSNL – 30 Agitational programmes continue

27 Thursday Aug 2020

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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

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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 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)

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)

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 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)

7th July 2020 – Birth Centenary of Com. K.G.Bose

06 Monday Jul 2020

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The Birth Centenary of Com. K.G.Bose, former President NFPTE and the inspiration for a whole generation of P and T workers and CG employees starts with 7th July 2020. He was born on 7th July 1921 and passed away on 11th December 1974 at the age of 53.
He led the historic struggles of 1946 Postal Strike, 1960 Indefinite Strike and the One Day Token Strike of 19th September 1968. He was jailed and dismissed from service in connection with the proposed 1949 strike.
He was founder leader of the 12th July Committee in W.Bengal which organized many struggles of the working class. He was elected as MLA in W.Bengal and as also nominated as a Member of the Pay Commission for State Government employees.
His younger brother Com. Moni Bose was also an important leader of NFPTE and was General Secretary of the E.III Union and Patron of BSNL Employees Union.
BSNL Employees Union has called upon to observe the birth centenary year of Com. K.G.Bose by organizing meetings, garlanding his photo etc. AIBDPA calls upon its members to participate and organize the same jointly in a befitting way.
Red salute to Com. K.G.Bose on this 100th Birth Day!(Courtesy: AIBDPA website)

Dharna organised on 26th June 2020 by BSNLEU on the major demands of the telecom workers.

26 Friday Jun 2020

Posted by in AIBDPA - BSNL DOT Pensioners, BSNLCCWF - Casual and Contract workers, BSNLEU

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The day long dharna programme, called on by BSNLEU, as per the decision of the Central Secretariat meeting, is being successfully organised throughout the country. Comrades are participating enthusiastically in this dharna, by maintaining social distancing and wearing masks, as per the directive of the CHQ. The dharna programme is being organised, demanding the government to immediately allow BSNL to procure 4G equipments from the tender that has been floated, speedy implementation of BSNL’s revival package, payment of salary on time, stopping retrenchment and payment of wage arrears to contract workers, funds for payment of medical bills, cashless treatment under BSNL MRS, immediate remittance of society dues and LIC premium, immediate holding of LICEs, relaxation for the JTO LICE held on 26.05.2019, etc.

[Date : 26 – Jun – 2020](BSNLEU website)

BSNLEU CALLS FOR DHARNA ON 26-06-2020 ON MAJOR DEMANDS

25 Thursday Jun 2020

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

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BSNL Employees Union has called for organising dharnas on 26th July 2020 on the major demands of the employees including, immediate allotment of 4G Spectrum, implementation of assured Revival package, payment of wages to contract labour and no retrenchment of contract labour etc. The DOT and BSNL management have not implemented the assurances to BSNL, but is favouring the private companies. Contract workers are being retrenched and their wages not paid for about one year.

AIBDPA has extended its full support and solidarity to the action programme.