Category Archives: BSNLEU

CPSTU Convention decides for agitational programmes on Disinvestment / sale of PSUs etc.

09 Monday Apr 2018

Posted by in BSNLEU, Disinvestment, PSU

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Central Public Sector Trade Unions (CPSTUs) decided to intensify struggles against privatisation and to settle wage revision.
The Central Public Sector Trade Unions conducted a one day convention at Ernakulam, yesterday. 340 delegates participated in the Convention, from all the major Central Public Sector Undertakings. Com. Tapan Sen, General Secretary, CITU, inaugurated the Convention. Com.P.Abhimanyu, GS, BSNLEU, addressed the convention, and gave a detailed picture of how the government is trying to finish off BSNL, by forming the Subsidiary Tower Company. He also narrated about the sustained struggles of the BSNL employees to safeguard BSNL. The GS, BSNLEU also briefed the convention about the developments in the wage revision issue of the BSNL employees. The meeting decided the following action programme on the key issues:-

To conduct a nationwide campaign programme in all the Public Sector undertakings.
To send Fax to the Prime Minister and Minister of Heavy Industries.
To conduct a National Convention on 25th May, at New Delhi, against privatisation, Fixed Term Employment and on wage revision issue.
calendar 09 – Apr – 2018
Massively organise dharnas on 12-04-2018, demanding the rolling back of the Subsidiary Tower Company.
Compelling the government to roll back the Subsidiary Tower Company is the priority task of the trade union movement of BSNL. To achieve this, the All Unions and Associations of BSNL has called on the BSNL employees to organise massive dharnas throughout the country on 12-04-2018. CHQ calls upon the circle and district unions to coordinate with the other constituents of the AUAB, and to mobilise maximum number of Non-Executives and Executives in the dharnas.(Courtesy: BSNLEU website)

Agartala CEC meeting of BSNLEU decides to conduct demonstrations, wearing black badges on 03.05.2018.

06 Friday Apr 2018

Posted by in BSNL, BSNLEU

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The CEC meeting held at Agartala, noted with serious concern that, the BSNL Management is on an outsourcing spree. Each and every work, including those works which can be done by our employees, are being outsourced. May be “some quarters” are getting benefitted out of these outsourcings. It is an undeniable fact that huge money of the Company is going into the drain, due to these outsourcings. This has got to be stopped. So far as the Non-Executive cadres are concerned, Direct Recruitment is being made only in the JE cadre. But, no recruitment is being made in the cadre of Sr.TOA, even though acute shortage is there, due to large scale retirements. Hence, the Company has to go in for direct recruitment in the cadre of Sr.TOA. A lot of wasteful expenditures are severely affecting the finance of the Company. BSNLEU has already drawn the attention of the CMD BSNL, as well as the Director(Finance) on this count. We learn that recently, four officers from the Corporate Office, have visited Sri Lanka, in connection with a cricket match. This only shows that the top Management is in no mood to curtail wasteful expenditures. Instead, the Management tries to curtail the existing medical facilities of the employees, in the name of overcoming the financial crisis. The Agartala CEC meeting has decided to give a detailed note to the Management, demanding the curtailment of these wasteful expenditures. The Corporate Office has recently given an instruction to the CGMs to substantially reduce the number of the contract workers. Immediately, this may result in some savings. But, in the long run, this will seriously affect the quality of our services, since the contract workers are largely engaged for maintenance works. In view of the foregoing, the Agartala CEC meeting has decided to conduct a “Call Attention Day” on 03.05.2018. Lunch hour demonstrations will be conducted throughout the country on that day, by wearing black badges. The following are the demands for the “Call Attention Day”.

Stop the mad rush for outsourcing works.
Curtail wasteful expenditures of the Company.
Do not curtail the medical facilities of the serving and retired employees.
Do not retrench the contract workers.
Conduct fresh recruitment in the cadre of Sr.TOA. (Courtesy: BSNLEU website)

Sanchar Bhawan March – Workers arrested

28 Wednesday Mar 2018

Posted by in BSNL, BSNLEU

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Massive demonstration took place on 27th March before Sanchr Bhawan participated by a large number of workers as per the call of the AUAB against the move of the government to form the Tower Company w.e.f. 01-04-2018. All the comrades were arrested, but released in the evening.

Congratulations to the comrades for organising the Sanchar Bhawan March and expressing our strong protest.

Hold lunch hour demonstrations on 27-03-2018, against the government’s attempt to operationalise the Subsidiary Tower Company.

23 Friday Mar 2018

Posted by in BSNL, BSNLEU, Neo-liberal policy

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A meeting of All Unions and Associations of BSNL(AUAB) is held yesterday the 22nd March,2018, in FNTO’s office. Representatives of BSNLEU, NFTE, SNEA, AIBSNLEA, FNTO, SEWA BSNL, BSNLMS, BSNLOA participated. The meeting reviewed the developments that had taken place after the meeting with the Hon’ble MoS(C) that was held on 24th February,2018. It is observed that the government is moving fast to operationalise the Subsidiary Tower Company from the 1st of April, 2018, totally ignoring the strong opposition from the entire employees of BSNL. In view of this, the meeting decided to launch agitational programme to stop the same. Decision is taken to conduct “lunch hour demonstrations” on 27th March,2018, in front of Sanchar Bhawan, New Delhi, as well as at circle and SSA head quarters, throughout the country. A memorandum, opposing the Subsidiary Tower Company will be submitted to the Hon’ble MoS(C) at Sanchar Bhawan. Same memorandum will be submitted to the respective CGMs and the state governors, to be forwarded to the MoS(C). CHQ calls upon the circle and district unions to successfully implement the call. (BSNLEU Website)

Warm Greetings on BSNLEU Foundation Day, 22nd March 2018.

22 Thursday Mar 2018

Posted by in BSNLEU, Telecom

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(Com.V.A.N.Namboodiri, GS, E.III(N) Union presenting the report at the Visakhapatnam Conference.)

BSNLEU is 17 years old. BSNL Employees Union, the majority recognised union of the BSNL workers, was formed on 22nd March 2001, in the National Convention of eight telecom unions held at Visakhapatnam, in the presence of Com. E.Balanandan, President of CITU and one of the greatest working class leaders India has seen.

Though started with about 50,000 – 60,000 workers, it grew to be the biggest union in BSNL with more than one lakh workers, despite the fact that there was no recruitment and thousands were retiring every year. This was a herculean task, but the united team of the BSNLEU leadership made the impossible in to possible.

BSNLEU as the recognised union separately, and also jointly with other unions, both executive and Non-executives, defeated the nefarious designs of the central government, both NDA and UPA, to disinvest BSNL, retrench about one lakh workers through VRS, unbundle the precious copper cables and so on. BSNLEU took the initiative to form the Joint Forum of the Unions and Associations, under which organisation, the battles were fought and the anti-worker decisions of the government defeated.

BSNL and its workers are  facing serious challenges to their existence. The neo-liberal policy initiated by the Congress government in 1991 and aggressively being implemented by  the present BJP government is making it difficult for the PSUs to sustain and grow. The NDA government as per the recommendations of the NITI Ayog is moving for privatisation of about 70 PSUs this year, in which the name of BSNL is also there. Wage revision due from 01-01-2017 is being denied. To destabilise BSNL, a Tower Company is being formed, taking away the towers of the company, which will seriously dent the existence of BSNL. Pension Revision is also delayed / denied. However, after two days strike and massive Sanchar Bhawan March, the Secretary  DOT and Minister has come forward for discussion and positive development is taking place on these issues. Sustained effort and struggle will be required to achieve the above demands.

The two associations, AIBDPA and BSNLCCWF formed at the initiative of BSNLEU has grown and strengthened. The demands of the workers, the pensioners and the casual contract labours are interconnected and inseparable. That is why united struggle.

It is in this situation that the workers are observing and celebrating the 18th Foundation Day of BSNLEU. Various programmes, including meetings and rallies are being held all over the country, observing BSNLEU Day. Let us remember our past struggles and sacrifices so that we can advance with more vigour, determination and strength.

BSNLEU Zindabad!

Workers Unity Zindabad!

Observe BSNLEU’s Foundation Day on 22-03-2018

14 Wednesday Mar 2018

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Observe BSNLEU’s Foundation Day on 22-03-2018
BSNLEU, the vanguard of the united struggles in BSNL, will observe it’s Foundation Day on 22nd March,2018. This year’s Foundation Day should be celebrated with extra enthusiasm, in view of the fact that the united struggles of the employees have made a major achievement, by breaking the deadlock that prevailed not only on wage revision and pension revision issues, but also on important issues related to the revival of BSNL. Hence, CHQ calls upon the circle and district unions to celebrate this year’s Foundation Day in a befitting manner, with the hoisting of the Union Red Flag in all the places, combined with other special programme like blood-donation camp,etc.(BSNLEU Website)

Observe BSNLEU Foundation Day on 22nd March

02 Friday Mar 2018

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BSNL Employees Union (BSNLEU), the major recognized union in BSNL completes 17 years of fruitful service on 22nd March 2018. BSNLEU was formed in the National Convention held on 22-23 March 2001, held at Visakhapatanam in the presence of the great working class leader Com. E.Balanandan, President CITU, by seven existing telecom unions, which merged and formed the new union BSNLEU. Within few years it grew to the status of sole recognised union in BSNL with more than 50% support of the workers. Now it is the major recognised union, since recognition was given to the second union also as demanded by BSNLEU. With its progressive policies, valiant struggles organised separately and jointly with other unions, effective negotiations with the management and the government, many important achievement to the workers have been obtained.

BSNLEU took initiative in both wage negotiations in 2000 as well as 2007 and obtained very favourable wage revision for BSNL employees. More importantly, it took the initiative to form the co-ordinating body, Joint Forum/ Forum of BSNL Unions, Associations/ BSNL All Unions and Associations etc. and fought against the implementation of the anti-worker liberal policies of the government.The unbundling of cables, disinvestment, VRS etc. could be stopped by the dedicated struggle of the united workforce. Now the struggle is for wage revision, pension revision and against the formation of the Tower Company.
It is at this crucial time that the 17th foundation day anniversary of BSNLEU arrives. BSNLEU CHQ has called upon its branches to observe the same in a big way by organising rallies, demonstrations, meetings etc.
AIBDPA and BSNLCCWF also will fully participate in the Foundation Day celebrations of BSNLEU.

Pension Revision for BSNL Retirees –Creating confusion for whose interests?

02 Friday Mar 2018

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

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Pension Revision for BSNL Retirees –Creating confusion for whose interests?

Our earlier write up on the issue has been much appreciated both from BSNL workers and BSNL pensioners since it is the logical and correct stand. We are thankful for their appreciation. But some comrades want to confuse the issue. Let us look in to point after point.
1. “We request the respected leaders of service unions to fight for their pay revision and leave the issue of Pension Revision. Our task has become much more difficult now.” This is one main issue that has been raised in the website of one of the pensioners’ associations. It means that the unions/associations of the workers need not worry about the pension revision and that their intervention has made the pension revision much more difficult. This statement is far from truth and is an accusation against the workers and their unions / associations. This reveals a certain mindset against the unity of the workers and the pensioners. Do they think that the workers and pensioners are enemies? The fact is that it is with the constant and united struggles of the workers and pensioners that the issues of the pensioners have been settled. Let us go through some of the experiences:
a) In the first wage revision w.e.f. 01-10-2000, with conversion from CDA to IDA payscales with point to point fixation, there were two opinions amongst the unions about the wage revision for BSNL absorbed DOT employees. Com.O.P.Gupta suggested that the CDA scale pay existing in DOT should continue with Rs. 1,000/Rs.1,500 extra, which was the Federations’ agreement with government at the time of the corporatisation. He had also pointed out that many PSUs including FCI are continuing in the Central government pay scale. (They continue as such now also). But all other unions demanded for IDA scale. This was in accordance with the Rule 37A as well as relevant orders. Such an agreement was reached after much discussion and IDA scale was agreed with point to point fixation and implemented which was far more beneficial than the existing CDA scales. The workers got increase in wages and those who retired afterwards got increased pension than those who retired before 01-10-2000. It cannot be technically termed as pension revision, but it was an increased pension for all the BSNL retirees. The argument that 2000 wage revision did not get any benefit for the pensioners is far from truth. This benefit to the pensioners was got by the hard wage negotiation and struggle by the workers’ unions. In fact, there was no major pensioner organization at that time in BSNL. Not a single person, employee or pensioner opposed the wage settlement and pension increase on IDA scale for those retired after 01-10-2000. It was unanimous.
b) The second wage revision was w.e.f. 01-01-2007 after the II PRC recommendations were released and approved. Even after the wage revision agreement, the pension revision was not implemented. It was through the continuous struggle of the workers and pensioners organizations that the same was approved by the government and implemented. This time also, it was on the basis of the II PRC and on IDA scales.
c) In the case of 78.2% IDA fitment also, struggle had to be organized both by employees and pensioners. This time also it was on the basis of the wage revision of the employees.
d) For the present wage negotiation w.e.f. 01-01-2017 also the united struggle of the workers and pensioners is necessary. Once again we reiterate that “ Today’s pensioners were yesterday’s workers and that today’s workers are tomorrow’s pensioners”. We are sure that the entire workers and pensioners will accept this position.

2. We are glad that our friends, who wanted to have the CDA pension revision as per the VII CPC has now at least shifted to the position that they want pension revision in the IDA itself, but with the fitment recommended by the VII CPC. Without going in to the complicated calculations and intricacies, let us make the point clear. The fitment recommended by the VII CPC is based on the wages based on CDA scales. The pay scales in CDA as also the fitment is based on the 2016 CDA which is different from the IDA wages and IDA. The fitment is intended for CDA scales at 2016. The fitment recommended for IDA scales by II PRC is entirely different. The cost of living index calculated for IDA and CDA are different as also the period in which it is paid ie. Half yearly in the CDA and quarterly for the IDA. Pension revision for BSNL retirees in 2007 was made on the basis of the II PRC in IDA and not on the basis of the VI CPC recommendations with effect from 2006. Nobody at that time asked for CDA wage revision on the basis of VI CPC and w.e.f. 2016. It is also to be noted that these friends did not demand that the pension revision of BSNL retirees should be implemented as per the recommendations of the VII CPC, when the recommendations were released and were to be implemented w.e.f. January 2016. Why? They demanded the pension revision on the basis of VII CPC on CDA scales, when they suspected that there may not be any wage revision in BSNL w.e.f. 01-01-2017. They put so many justifications to the point that there may not be wage revision and hence no pension revision also. Thus the basis of demanding CDA pension revision on the basis of VII CPC was understood by all.
3. The mighty two days struggle on 21st and 22nd May 2015 as also the discussion with the DOT Secretary on 1st May 2015 as well as further discussion by the Joint Forum of BSNL Unions and Associations, which resulted in the removal of 60:40 condition and grant of 78.2% IDA fixation is also ridiculed as of no consequence. Well, that is their tradition to ridicule and dismiss the workers’ struggles. These friends, instead of supporting the struggles, used to have conferences and inaugurations on the same day when the strike and struggles used to take place. Naturally they are not in support of struggles, but depend on submissions and supplications. They have forgotten the legacy of Com.K.G.Bose, ‘Unity for Struggle and Struggle for Unity’.
4. These friends correctly have stated that in many PSUs, pension revision is made on the basis of the CPCs. Correct. These are organisations like Door Darshan, FCI etc. which has opted for the CPC CDA scales from the initial stage itself.
5. Let us assume that the government accepts pension revision of BSNL retirees on the basis of VII CPC CDA scales instead of III PRC IDA scales. From which date it will be implemented, from 2016 or 2017?
6. Any fixation on VII CPC fitment will result in further discrimination. Already there is discrimination between the DOT Pensioners and the BSNL Pensioners. Another anomaly will come between those retired before 2016/2017 and those retired after. Those who retired before 2016/2017 will get CDA pension revision as per VII CPC, while those who retire after 2016/2017 will get pension on the basis of their salary in the IDA scales. This will be a very serious anomaly, which will divide the entire BSNL pensioners.
7. Have these friends ever thought that what will happen if pension revision on VII CPC CDA scale is implemented. Notional calculation of pension w.e.f. from 2000 onwards on the basis of the V, VI CPC and again on the VII CPC will seriously and adversely affect the existing pensioners.
8. The latest diversion these friends have made is that they are not demanding pension revision on CDA but only on IDA, but on the basis of VII CPC. VII CPC never recommended any pension revision on IDA. Now they say that it is only the fitment factor that they have demanded. How is the fitment calculated? It is on the basis of calculating the fitment factor based on the price index for the CDA. The fitment for the PSU workers is calculated on the price index for the IDA. The years are different, the percentage is different and the salaries are different. When the demand is raised on the basis of the pension revision on CPCs, what will happen to the pension increase in 2000 and pension revision in 2017, which have been much beneficial to the pensioners? The pension and pension revision is granted on the basis of CCS Pension Rules 1972 and for BSNL employees and pensioners amended Rule 37A is also to be considered. As per Rule 37A, recommendations 0f CPC like pension fixation formula, minimum pension, commutation, gratuity, additional pension after 80 years etc. are applicable, except pension and medical allowance. Before Rule 37 A Amendment, CG employees absorbed in PSUs had two options. They can opt for higher pay scales in PSU and opt for CDA Pension. In that case, for the pension purpose, they will be brought back to CDA scale notionally and fix pension accordingly. There is no provision for granting CDA fitment as per CPC to IDA scales.

9. When the massive Parliament March by the BSNL Unions and Associations which was participated by hundreds of pensioners of AIBDPA on 23rd February 2018 was going on these friends wrote: “In effect, the government has rejected both pay revision and pension revision”. They were under the impression that the government will never agree for wage revision in BSNL. But the situation has now changed and the Communications Minister has assured as follows as per the post of the Unions and Associations:
“3rd Pay Revision: So far, the DoT has been maintaining that BSNL employees are not eligible for 3rd Pay Revision. In today’s meeting the Hon’ble Minister agreed that the issue of 3rd Pay Revision of BSNL employees would be processed and would be taken for the approval of the DPE and the Cabinet.” On the pension Revision also the position is the same. It is not rejection now as these friends thought, but processing of the matter.
10. So the question of criticizing and attacking the workers and their organisations is fully unjustified.
11. Now coming to the demand. AIBDPA as well as National Co-ordination Committee of Pensioners Association (led by late Com.S.K.Vyasji and at present by Com.K.K.N.Kutty) has demanded that BSNL wage revision should take place, but the government should order pension revision of BSNL retirees on the basis of the recommendations of the III PRC on the IDA scale. What are the justifications? Consider the following points:
a) Pension increase was ordered in 2000 on the basis of the wage agreement on IDA scale
b) Pension Revision was made w.e.f. 2007 on the basis of the wage agreement on IDA( not on the basis of the fitment formula of VI CPC from 2006)
c) Later, after serious struggle, the 60:40 condition on payment of pension has been removed and the full responsibility for payment of pension to BSNL absorbed DOT retirees have been taken by the government. Hence on the basis of the III PRC, Pension Revision should be ordered with 15% fitment, without waiting for the wage revision. Such a pension revision will be on the basis of IDA pattern, will be similar to the pension increase in 2000 and pension revision in 2007 and will not create the large number of serious anomalies, if it is done on the basis of the VII CPC.
d) The next point raised is that BSNL may be privatized and then what will happen? Whether there will be any wage revision? So far it has not been privatized and even disinvest could be stopped by the united struggles of the workers. When such a situation comes, it is not only pension issue but about loss of jobs and many other issues. The workers and pensioners will have to organize serious struggles to tide over the crisis, if and when it comes.
“UNITY FOR STRUGGLE, STRUGGLE FOR UNITY AND UNITY and STRUGGLE FOR PROGRESS”

March to Sanchar Bhawan on 23rd February 2018

17 Wednesday Jan 2018

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

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The March to Sanchar Bhawan, the head quarters of Department of Telecom, on 23rd February 2018 called by the All unions and Associations of BSNL is a timely decision. BSNL is fully owned by DOT and it has got full responsibility to ensure the rights of the workers as well as the improvement of BSNL. Instead, DOT and Government are moving to weaken the PSU and hand over the same to the private corporates. Formation of a separate Tower company with the 70,000 and odd BSNL towers is intended to disable BSNL from its effective functioning. There is no indication of the wage revision due to the workers from 0-01-2017, though one year has passed.

Sustained struggle is the correct path for the workers to achieve their demands. Make the programme a big success. AIBDPA and BSNLCCWF have extended solidarity and support and will participate in the programme. Saving BSNL and ensuring settlement of wage and pension revision is necessary for their advance.

Com.K.Mohanan, Circle Secretary, BSNLEU. Kerala Circle retired from service

30 Thursday Nov 2017

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Com. K.Mohanan, Circle Secretary BSNLEU, Kerala Circle, Working President of Kerala CCLU and a militant leader of the working class, retired from BSNL today, 30th November 2017, on superannuation. He entered the service in 1980 and completed 37 years of excellent service to the people and the workers.
Com.K.Mohanan was elected as the Circle Secretary in 2006 and led a lot of struggles of the BSNL employees and is the nerve centre of co-ordinating all the unions/association in BSNL for struggle. He was victimised several times for trade union activities. Even on the last day of his service, a case was filed in the CAT Ernakulam by some persons, seeking non-sanction of his pension and pensionary benefits, but it was naturally turned down by the CAT.

A good orator and an organiser, he could strengthen the BSNLEU in Kerala and ensured a very good majority in all the membership verifications.

My Best Wishes to Com. Mohanan with the hope that he will continue and expand his trade union activities and public service.