24 Wednesday Jun 2015
Posted in BSNLEU
Railway Employees are organising Protest Demonstration on 30th June against government’s proposal to privatise Railways. BSNL Employees Union has decided to extend solidarity to the struggling railway workers and demonstrate on the same day. BSNL workers very well know how Telecom was corporatised and private companies allowed in telecom sector.
Participate fully in the protest demonstration!
12 Friday Jun 2015
Posted in BSNL - Better Service to the Nation, BSNLEU, Forum
2007
Indian Telegraph Act 1986 amended to favour private companies.
The government in a move to favour the private telecom companies amended the more than one century old Indian Telegraph Act 1986 by making mobile service also eligible for USO Fund, which will enable them to grab a major portion of the same, which was only paid to BSNL & MTNL earlier for landlines.
GSM Tender issue and Agitational programmes.
Telegram campaign on 26-04-2007 against Infrastructure sharing
The Joint Forum of Unions/Associations in BSNL & MTNL in its meeting held on 17-04-2007 decided to call all the units to sent Telegrams to the Prime Minister on 26-04-2007 and hold demonstrations on 04-05-2007 against TRAI recommendations on infrastructure sharing of BSNL/MTNL. The telegram campaign was a big success with hundreds of telegrams reaching the Prime Minister. The dharna on 04-05-2007 was massively participated.
The one week relay Dharna from 12th to 18th June 2007
The relay dharna was massively participated.
Memorandum to the Communications Minister
A Joint Memorandum by the Joint Forum of Unions/Associations in BSNL and MTNL was submitted to Shri A.Raja, Minister Communications, on the major issues like immediate tendering for mobile lines and improving the services of BSNL and MTNL. It also indicated that if the tender for 45.5 million lines, which was pending due to court cases filed by the private telecom companies like Motorola and which has been cleared by the court after 2 years should be immediately acted upon by issuing the Advance Purchasing Order (APO) and getting the mobile lines so that the immediate need of the expansion of about 60 million line capacity ( 45.5 million tender + 14.5 million reserve quota to ITI) could be done. It was reported in the press that the government was going to cancel the tender due to pressure from private companies. It was also mentioned that if the government purposely delay the purchase, the workers will be compelled to resort to direct action. The Memorandum was signed by V.A.N.Namboodiri (BSNLEU) & Convener Joint Forum, M.B.Vichare( NFTE), K.Vallinayagam(FNTO),G.L.Jogi( SNEA(I),Prahlad Rai(AIBSNLEA), V.Narayana( BSNLMS),S.V.S.Subrahmanyam( BTEU BSNL),Dhiraj Chaudhary( SNATTA), Satyavir Singh (MTNL MKU), Ram Prasad( MTNL KU),R.C.Chaddha( MTNL SC/ST TEWA),Inderdev Singh( MTNL MS) and S.P.Sharma(BSNLWRU).
The statement of the Communications Minister Shri A.Raja, as reported in the press, which is given below shows, how the government was trying to favour the private manufacturers and creating bottlenecks in the growth of BSNL
“I will not allow BSNL to purchase 45.5. million cellular lines at the rates quoted by the lowest bidder. The rates are too high. If BSNL goes ahead with the tender in the current form and award L-1, the APO will be paying close to Rs. 10,000 crore more unnecessarily.
“A delay was unavoidable in these circumstances. It is important to correct mistakes at any stage even it holds up development.
“It is surprising Motorola, one of the leaders in the world Telecommunication equipments and a firm that supplies 2G and 3G equipments to MTNL, can not qualify technically.”
This created a grave situation with regard to the development of the BSNL.
The agitational programmes
If the tender will be delayed or cancelled, it will cause loss of many thousands of crores of rupees to BSNL and it will be out of race in the mobile market. In fact, BSNL will become almost irrelevant in the mobile sector.
Sensing the deep crisis laden situation, the Joint Forum of BSNL Unions/Associations met and decided to bring the same to the government’s notice. Thousands of telegrams were sent to the Prime Minister and Communications Minister demanding immediate action. It was also decided to organize the following action programmes culminating in strike if suitable action is not taken by the Government.
Badge Wearing Demonstration in front of exchanges/offices on 5th July 2007 onwards
Massive Dharnas before offices/exchanges on 9th and 10th July 2007.
One Day Strike on 11th July 2007, which will be converted to Indefinite Strike if the issues are not settled.
Demonstrations were organized in front of offices on July 5, 2007 onwards and massive dharnas were conducted on 9th and 10th July. Notice had already been issued that if the issue was not settled before 10th July, the workers will go on Strike on 11th July 2007. The Strike Notice was signed by the following Unions/Associations:
V.A.N.Namboodiri(BSNLEU) Convener, M.B.Vichare(NFTE), K.Vallinayagam(FNTO), V.Narayana(BSNLMS), Prahlad Rai(AIBSNLEA), G.L.Jogi(SNEA(I), S.P.Sharma(BSNLWRU), S.V.S.Subrahmanyam(BTEU) and V.Subburaman(TEPU)
The Badge wearing, Demonstrations and Dharnas as decided by the Joint Forum were massively organized. The workers actively participated and were ready for any action to save BSNL.
11 Thursday Jun 2015
Posted in BSNLCCWF - Casual and Contract workers, BSNLEU
The EPF authorities has frozen the Bank Account of BSNL in Ranchi, Jharkhand, for not remitting the EPF dues of Rs. 3,47,43,928 (3.47 crore) to the contract workers. This is not the first time such thing has happened in Jharkhand. Despite clear instructions from the BSNL Corporate Office, many SSAs are ignoring the same, thus violating the EPF Act, passed by the Parliament. This is not only a violation of the labour law of the country, but such officers are bringing shame to the BSNL itself.
BSNLCCWF has taken such cases with the the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Labour as also the Central EPF Commissioner. Both have criticised the BSNL management. Consequently BSNL Management has given clear instructions to field officers. Still the violation continues and BSNL accounts are frozen.
BSNLCCWF units are requested to complain to the EPF authorities, wherever, the EPF is not implemented or the dues are not paid.
We congratulate the Jharkhand Circle leaders of both BSNLCCWF and BSNLEU for their active interest and intervention in the matter.
11 Thursday Jun 2015
Posted in BSNL - Better Service to the Nation, BSNLEU, Forum
The Forum of BSNL Unions/Associations has given a one month campaign of SAVE BSNL from 8th June 2015, by utilisng the “09.00 PM to 07.00 AM Free Call Scheme” and the “Free Roaming Scheme” introduced by BSNL. The CMD BSNL has also agreed to fully co-operate with the programme of the Forum. The Forum has listed the activities, propaganda, work etc. that have to be carried out during this period to improve services, improve relations with customers, clearance of early faults, procurement of equipment etc.
Out of this month campaign, already, three days are over. I hope that the campaign has already started in right earnest. It is in this context that each BSNL employee should review what he has done for the campaign.
Time lost is never recovered. History does not pardon anybody who missed the opportunity. Here is an opportunity to save BSNL. Every body has to be part of this big campaign. Wake up and act! Excuses do not take anybody anywhere.
11 Thursday Jun 2015
Posted in BSNL - Better Service to the Nation, BSNLEU, Forum
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Meeting with CMD BSNL on 22nd July 2006
In the backdrop of the notice given by the Joint Forum for agitational programme, a meeting was held under the chairmanship of Shri A.K.Sinha, CMD BSNL on 22-07-2006. The gist of the official minutes released is given below:
No Disinvestment of BSNL/MTNL: The JF strongly opposed to the proposal of IPO worth 10% of paid up capital over and above the existing shares, which is only leading to privatization. CMD stated that there is no requirement of funds at present and that there is no substance in the apprehension.
No Unbundling of local loop: Though a committee under the Chairmanship of Secretary DOT has been formed, no decision has been taken. The committee will look in to all options. Minister’s assurance also is there.
No sharing of infrastructure: The Unions strongly opposed the move to share infrastructure of the BSNL with private companies.
No Increase in FDI: Unions strongly opposed any increase in FDI. The CMD stated that the issue is dealt with at the highest level.
No reduction in revenue sharing, immediate grant of Navaratna Status to BSNL, Grant of Autonomy to BSNL, Expansion of mobile and broadband services and amicable settlement of ITS absorption issues were also discussed.
Demonstrations on 27-07-2006
The Demonstrations on 27th July 2006 was successfully organized and telegrams sent to the Prime Minister as decided.
Historic Parliament March on 3rd August 2006.
The March to Parliament on 3rd August 2006 was participated by more than twelve thousand workers of BSNL and MTNL. The mobilization was mainly from MTNL Delhi and BSNL from nearby circles. The workers led by the JF leaders started from the CTO (Eastern Court) premises and marched via Jantar Mantar . The march was stopped by the police at the Parliament Street, where a massive rally was held. Coms. Sitaram Yechuri, M.P., Basudev Acharya, M.P., Tapan Sen, M.P. and Roop Chand Pal, M.P. addressed the rally and gave all support to the demands raised by the Joint Forum. Com.V.A.N.Namboodiri, GS BSNLEU & Convener JF and General Secretaries of the unions/associations addressed the March.
This was the biggest participation of the telecom workers opposing the neo-labour policies of the government after the formation of BSNL and MTNL.
Pension issue – Meeting with Secretary DOT on 06-09-2006
The leaders of the Joint Forum of BSNL/MTNL Associations met Shri D.S.Mathur, Secretary, DOT and chairman, Telecom Commission, on 6th September 2006 and discussed following:
1.Pension issue: The unions brought to the notice of the Secretary, DOT about the latest orders of DOT directing BSNL to pay the pension of BSNL employees , if it exceeds more than 60% of the payments by the BSNL & MTNL to DOT including dividend, licence fee, corporate tax etc. which is in utter violation of Rule 37-A and earlier orders of DOT that the pension will be paid by the Government. Secretary DOT assured that the matter will be re-examined.
The Joint Forum met the CMD BSNL Shri A.K.Sinha on 06-09-2006 and strongly opposed the proposal for sharing of BSNL infrastructure with private operators.
10 Wednesday Jun 2015
JF Protests Sharing of BSNL Towers with private operators
Meanwhile, the Communications Minister announced that the BSNL towers would be shared with the private operators for the benefit of the latter. This was strongly opposed by the Joint Forum and a press statement was issued on 17-03-2006.
Press Statement against the proposal of the government for the unbundling of copper cables of BSNL was issued on 31-05-2006 by the Joint Forum.
Meeting with the Secretary DOT on 7th June 2006
A meeting was held with Dr.J.S.Sharma, Secretary DOT, on 7th June 2006. Com.V.A.N.Namboodiri, Convener, JF, Com. Nafe Singh and Com. Swapan Chakraborty also participated. The following issues were discussed:
Navaratna Status to BSNL: The Secretary DOT assured that the Navaratna Status will be conferred to BSNL next year after the fulfillment of obligatory provisions.
Unbundling of local loop: The apprehension of the workers on the formation of a sub-committee headed by the Secretary DOT on the issue was discussed and the Joint Forum strongly opposed the same. Secretary DOT assured that the commitment given earlier continued and no unbundling will take place.
Merger of BSNL and MTNL: Secretary DOT assured that the talk of merger is only speculation of the media and there is no decision for the same.
The Joint Forum of BSNL/MTNL Unions/Associations on 24th June 2006 addressed a letter to the Communications Minister Shri Dayanidhi Maran strongly opposing the proposal of unbundling the last mile copper and seeking a meeting to discuss the same.
The Joint Forum gave a call for Lunch hour Demonstrations at Circles and SSA levels on 27th July 2006 and telegrams to be sent to Prime Minister demanding “ No Disinvestment, No unbundling of local loop of BSNL & MTNL”. It was also decided to have a massive March to Parliament on 3rd August 2006.
Meeting with the Minister of Communications on 12th July 2006.
Com. V.A.N.Namboodiri, Convener Joint Forum along with Com. Basudev Acharya, M.P. & Leader of the CPI(M) in Lok Sabha, met the Communications Minister Dayanidhi Maran on 12-07-2006 and expressed strong protest of the workers on the proposals for unbundling. The Minister, while sharing the concerns of the unions expressed that there is no need to unbundle loops of BSNL & MTNL. He said that in USA also, there is no unbundling. He commented that both the PSUs will be finished if unbundled. Coms. Mihir Dasgupta AGS BSNLEU and Animesh Mitra, CS BSNLEU, W.B.Circle also participated in the discussions. Minister assured positively and later told the press that there was no need for unbundling.
Protest against increasing of FDI from 49% to 74 % in Telecom sector – Joint Forum of BSNL/MTNL Unions decides for agitational programmes.
Despite the discussions with the Communications Minister and assurances by DOT and CMD, the government was steadily moving to implement increased FDI in telecom, unbundling of last mile copper etc. as part of its neo-liberal policies. Videsh Sanchar Nigam Limited (VSNL) was privatized and the shares of MTNL were being disinvested. The government and the TRAI were taking anti-BSNL/MTNL decisions one after another favouring the private telecom companies. Earlier, the USOF was only for the BSNL/MTNL but it was being extended to the private operators also. A committee was formed under the Chairmanship of Secretary, DOT, with 9 members out of which 4 members were from various private telecom companies and one each from PMO and Planning Commission. The main issue was to unbundle the last mile copper of the telecom PSUs to benefit the private companies.
As such, the meeting of the Joint Forum held on 5th and 10th July 2006 after detailed discussion decided to organize agitational programmes on the following demands:
The following programmes were also finalized:
“No Disinvestment, Unbundling of Local Loop of BSNL and MTNL”
Accordingly notice was issued to the Secretary, DOT and CMDs of BSNL and MTNL. It was signed by V.A.N.Namboodiri (BSNLEU) & Convener JF, O.P.Gupta (NFTE), K.Vallinayagam (FNTO), V.Narayana (BSNLMS), Prahlad Rai (AIBSNLEA), G.L.Jogi (SNEA), V.Subburaman (TEPU), S.P.Sharma (BSNLWRU), T.Muthukrishnan (AISC/STTEWA), A.D.Patil (AIBCTES), V.K.Tomar (MTNLEA), Vrijesh Upadhyay (MTNLMS) and A.K.Koushik (TEAM). A detailed letter was sent to the Sub Group on ‘Unbundling of local loop’ strongly opposing and demanding that no unbundling be decided.
06 Saturday Jun 2015
Posted in AIBDPA - BSNL DOT Pensioners, BSNLEU
Pensioners belong to the weaker section. They require continuous care and medical treatment to keep up their health. It is with this concern that it was decided that Medical Allowance with out voucher will be paid to the employees as well as pensioners.
But in the name of loss to the company, BSNL has stopped this allowance arbitrarily, three years back. The Forum of BSNL Unions/associations, as well as BSNLEU, had taken up the case of restoration of this allowance, both to employees and pensioners. As a first step, the staff side in the National Council as also AIBDPA demanded that at least the medical Allowance to the Pensioners be restored. A sympathetic attitude was expected from the BSNL Management. But so far, nothing has moved in this respect.
We demand that the BSNL Management should take immediate action to restore the Medical Allowance to the Pensioners.
18 Monday May 2015
Posted in BSNLCCWF - Casual and Contract workers, BSNLEU
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It is a great victory for the BSNLCCWF and the casual and contract workers! The Federation as well as BSNLEU has been demanding that for the casual and contract workers EPF should be implemented from at least 01-10-2000. After much efforts, the BSNL Management had implemented EPF for casual workers from 10-01-2011. In many places EPF was not implemented to the contract workers.
These along many other issues were taken by the BSNL Casual & Contract Workers Federation with the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Labour and also the Central Provident Fund Commissioner, New Delhi. The representatives gave detailed evidence before Parliamentary Standing Committee with full documents. The EPF Commissioner held meeting with the President BSNLCCWF and Officers of BSNL on this. Accordingly the EPF Commissioner (Central) issued a strong letter dated 22-04-2015 to BSNL asking them to implement EPF to casual labours w.e.f.01-10-2000 (the date of formation of BSNL) retrospectively. It was also directed that wherever, EPF is not implemented for contract workers, it should be implemented as per EPF Act.
Now today, 18-05-2015, the BSNL C.O. has issued the orders directing the CGMs to immediately take action for implementing EPF for casual labours w.e.f. 01-10-2000 and also implement EPF for contract workers, wherever it is not implemented so far. Not only the EPF contributions will be made by BSNL management, but interest also will have to be paid, which will benefit the workers. The EPF with retrospective effect from 2000 will benefit the existing 3469 casual labours.
The mammoth CMD Office March on 15th October 2014 and the Two Days Strike on 21-22 April 2015 by the Casual & Contract Workers have not been in vain. At least one of the important demands has been settled.
It is a land mark victory for the casual and contract workers! Congratulations to all our comrades who stood strongly with the organisation and participated in the struggles!
11 Monday May 2015
Posted in BSNL - Better Service to the Nation, BSNLEU
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A meeting of the Forum of BSNL Unions / Associations will be held at 03.00 PM on 13th May 2015 to review the successful 21-22 April Strike and to plan for the future activities. The meeting will be held at BSNLMS Office, New Delhi.
11 Monday May 2015
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Next meeting of the National Council of BSNL is scheduled to be held on 15th May 2015. It is more than 7 months since the last meeting had been held on 25th September 2014. This is undue and unusual delay and is untenable.
BSNL Management has to understand that the negotiating machinery is put in to discuss and settle the justified and reasonable demands of the employees. Delay in holding the meeting gives a wrong signal, which is to be avoided.
In the same way, despite many reminders from Corporate Office of BSNL, the Works Committee Meetings at SSAs, between the Management and Unions on development and expansion of services etc., have not taken place in many places. These are to be held in all SSAs, in time, especially when the workers are on a campaign to improve the services to the customers.
The efficiency and discipline are not only for the workers, they are a must for the Management also.
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