Category Archives: BSNLEU

Comrade K.Arjunan, undaunted fighter.

19 Wednesday Mar 2014

Posted by in AIBDPA - BSNL DOT Pensioners, BSNLEU

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This is not the original Arjunan of Epic  Mahabharata, who doubtless was an undaunted fighter who led the Pandavas to victory.

This Arjunan is another undaunted fighter who has led and fought many struggles in the cause of the workers and toiling masses. Comrade K.Arjunan, former Circle Secretary of All India Telegraph Traffic Employees Union, Class IV, has been part of the might Co-Ordinating Committee of P and T Unions, Kerala Circle and a veteran leader of the P and T workers. He was victimised in all the struggles of the P and T Employees. I knew him earlier, but we became close associates, after I came to Thiruvananthapuram from Calicut, after my election as President and later as Circle Secretary of the AITE Union Class III.

The P and T Co-ordinating Committee organised several mighty agitations, in all of which Comrade Arjunan was an important part of the leadership. He had no doubt or vacillation at any time for moving to struggle. He fully involved in all these struggles and was greatly respected as such.

I met him once again yesterday, 18th March 2014, in the Convention of the AIBDPA,  held at Thiruvananthapuram, which he presided. Since his eye was operated recently he did not absent himself, but came wearing dark glasses as per advice of the Doctor. Despite the fact he is 75 years and retired about 17 years back, his speech still has its strong accent and the energy for many more struggles. He is an important leader of the AIBDPA, who I am sure will lead the pensioners in the correct direction.

My Revolutionary Greetings to you, Comrade Arjunan.

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Celebrate BSNLEU Day on 22nd March 2014!

19 Wednesday Mar 2014

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On 22nd of March 2014, BSNL Employees Union will be completing 13 years. Formed on 22nd March 2001 at the National Convention of Telecom Employees at Visakhapatnam, called by the progressive unions in the newly formed BSNL,  BSNLEU during the last 13 years have grown to become as the biggest union. It was the only recognised and representative union in BSNL since the second Membership Verification in 2004 to 2013, till it took initiative for grant of recognition to a second union also.

During the last 13 years of its existence, BSNLEU has been able to achieve two wage agreements for the employees, a new Promotion Policy as also many other achievements. It has taken the lead fight against disinvestment and privatisation and stopped the government from selling its share. It has taken initiative in forming the Joint Action Committee/Forum  of the Associations/Unions of Executives and Non-Executives which has organised many struggles and strikes to save BSNL and improve its services as also on the demands of the workers. The workers have rallied around BSNLEU due to its sincere and committed functioning. It took initiative in forming the organisations for the Pensioners (AIBDPA) and Casual, Contract Workers (BSNLCCWF) and jointly fought for settling their issues. BSNLEU has also done its due role amongst the PSU Unions. Now it has also taken initiative to form the Joint Action Committee of Non-Executive Unions/Associations for focussing and organising struggles for settling the urgent demands.

Another achievement of the union is the purchase of a new union office building at New Delhi at Shadipur area. The building has been purchased and was inaugurated on the BSNLEU Day, 22nd March 2012. The purchase could be made only due to the whole hearted support of the members throughout the country. The purchase was made by the balance amount in the union accounts and a loan of Rs. 1.5 crore from the bank. CHQ has called for further donations and we are sure that the members will donate generously again to repay the loan. By purchasing the building within 2 years of taking the decision in the Thiruvananthapuram All India Conference, CHQ has been able to fulfil the long cherished dream of the BSNL workers.

We have been celebrating the BSNLEU Day every year by organising some social service like blood donation camps, helping the poor school children by donating uniform and books, kambals and dresses to the poor and old etc. I have no doubt that our Branches/Districts will continue this social service this year also on the BSNLEU Day.

BSNLEU has grown to the present position only with the wholehearted support of our members and well wishers. We thank them and congratulate them ! Let us observe the BSNLEU Day in a befitting manner.

CEC meeting of BSNLEU, Kerala Circle

19 Wednesday Mar 2014

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The Circle executive Committee meeting of BSNLEU Kerala Circle was held at P and T House  Thiruvananthapuram on 19th March 2014.  Com. A.V.Kuriakose, Circle President, presided.  Com. K.Mohan, Circle secretary, welcomed all.

Com.V.A.N.Namboodiri, All India President, BSNLEU, addressed the CEC and explained the decisions of the CEC Rajkot for effective implementation. He also spoke on the decisions of the Forum as well as the newly formed formed JAC of Non-Executive Unions/Associations.

The CEC discussed in detail about the issues and organisation matters. The task of the workers in the present situation, the general elections also were discussed.

Tomorrow, a Circle Convention of BSNL Employees is also being held.

 

 

 

Comrade P.V.Chandrasekharan, a dynamic leader

19 Wednesday Mar 2014

Posted by in BSNLEU, TU News - Telecom specific

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Whenever you think about the BSNL Trade Union movement in Kerala, there is one outstanding leader, who is still vibrant and is the guide and Advisor of the movement, not only of BSNL but the entire P and T TU movement. He is Com. P.V.Chandrasekharan, former Circle President of BSNLEU and earlier Circle Secretary of the AITE Union Class III for long 25 years. At present he is the Circle President of AIBDPA and all India Patron of the same, in addition to Vice-President of CGPA Kerala.
A charming personality with intimate connection with all the workers and leaders, he has been in the progressive movement since his student days. Through the Students Federation and later through the P and T movement after joining P and Department, he continues to be one of the strongest leaders fully committed to the working Class ideology.
During his service, he was victimised cruelly several times through punishments, suspension, transfer to isolated places despite his frail health etc. After my tenure as Circle Secretary and when handing over the same to Com.PVC, as he is fondly called, I had the full confidence that here is one comrade who will be faithful to the working class and make all out efforts for the onward march and achievements of the workers.
The telecom workers, nay central Govt. Employees and Pensioners also, look to Com. PVC for continued leadership and guidance in their sustained struggles and organisational activities.
He is now engaged with preparation of a book on the P and Trade Union movement in Kerala. The P and T Workers are eagerly waiting for the book to be released.
My Best Wishes and Revolutionary Greetings to Comrade P.V.Chandrasekharan. We expect more and more contributions from him to the cause of the working class!

Red Salute to Comrade EMS Namboodiripad!

19 Wednesday Mar 2014

Posted by in BSNLEU, Obituary, Tributes, TU News - India

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Times move so fast. It is difficult to think that it is 16 years since Com. EMS Namboodiripad, one of the great Communists the world has ever seen, has passed away. Yes, it was on 19th March 1998 that the veteran ideologue and all rounder in the fields of politics, culture, agitations and what not, left us forever.
Born in a rich landlord family, EMS, left all material assets to the Party to start the Party Journal Deshabhimani. At the time as a student in school/college itself he organised the young and fought for the liberation of the Brahmin women who were just like slaves in the interiors of home. He fought with other youngsters like him against the age old anarchic systems like untouchability.
While studying itself he jumped in to the struggle for the independence of the country. There was no looking back afterwards.
As a Congressman, Congress Socialist and then Communist, his contribution to the people and the country is well known. Just like any other communist leader, Com.EMS also faced all attacks, jail, underground etc. from the British first and then by the Congress government in free India.
He became the first Communist Chief Minister, when the Communist Party was elected in the first ever state elections in Kerala in 1957. All the reactionaries, vested interests,communal forces combined together under the leadership of Congress to oust the government, but could not, due to the strong and solid support of the people. In one of the most shameful acts of Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, the EMS Government, which brought many progressive and beneficial acts like land reforms, Education etc. was dismissed.
Along with Com.A.K.Gopalan, the firebrand agitator and leader of the toiling masses, and other legends of the communist movement, Com. EMS strengthened the Communist and working class movement specially in kerala and generally all over the country. During his tenure as the General Secretary of the CPI(M), the party rose to great heights in organisation.
Comrade EMS has written continuously for more than half a century on all matters and the same have been published after his death in 100 big volumes by the Party.
I had the good fortune to meet him several times in connection with the organisation of the central government employees and P and T specially. His inaugural speech in the All india Conference of AITE Union Class III at Trivandrum on 1994, focussing the idea that both the intellectual and manual workers should jointly contribute for the growth of the industry and the working class movement is still in our memory. We have put in to practice by organising and conducting struggle of all the sections of workers in the Forum of BSNL Unions and Associations, in our own sphere. There are many other instances of his guidance and support to the P and T movement, which I am not mentioning here, for brevity’s sake.
On the 16th death anniversary of this great Communist and Working Class leader, we pay our respectful homage and pledge to follow the revolutionary path shown by him.
Red Salute to Comrade EMS!

JAC of BSNL Non-Executive Unions/Associations formed.

11 Tuesday Mar 2014

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A meeting of the Non-Executive Unions/Associations in BSNL was held today, 11th March, at the BSNLMS Office, New Delhi. Com. C.Singh GS NFTE presided. Com. P.Abhimanyu, GS BSNLEU welcomed all and explained the idea of forming a forum to discuss about the issues of the Non-executives and prepare for agitations to achieve those. All the unions’ representatives spoke and supported the proposal.
The meeting after detailed discussion decided to prepare a Memorandum on the important issues of the non-executives and submit the same to the BSNL Management. It was also decided to organise a dharna by the General Secretaries of the unions/associations at the corporate office on 26th March demanding settlement of the demands. Further programmes will be decided later since the general elections are going to be held from 7th April.
The meeting formed a “Joint Action Committee of BSNL Non-Executive Unions/Associations” and elected a team with Com. C.Singh as President and Com.P.Abhimanyu as Convener.
This new development is a welcome step for the united struggles of the BSNL NOn-Executive Employees of BSNL.

Meeting of Non-Executive Unions in BSNL today, 11th March

11 Tuesday Mar 2014

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The Non-Executive Unions in BSNL will meet today to discuss about the long pending and critical issues of the workers and to decide about the future programmes. All the unions which have participated in the VI Membership Verification have been invited to attend. BSNL Employees Union has taken the initiative for calling this meeting.

This effort is commendable, since the management has been evading and taking a negative stand on many of the issues of the non-executives. A strong movement is, hence, required. Let us hope that the meeting will be attended by all unions, positive discussions take place and effective decisions are taken.

FORUM MEETING DECISIONS – 10-03-2014

10 Monday Mar 2014

Posted by in BSNL - Better Service to the Nation, BSNLEU

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FORUM OF BSNL UNIONS /ASSOCIATIONS
D-7, TELEGRAPH PLACE, GOLE MARKET, NEW DELHI

Meeting of Forum of BSNL Unions/Associations held on 10-03-2014
A meeting of the Forum of BSNL Unions/Associations was held on 10th March 2014 at BSNLMS office. Com.C.Singh, President, Forum presided. Com. V.A.N.Namboodiri, Convener welcomed all and briefed the meeting about the actions taken after the last meeting held on 3rd March 2014. He reported about the meeting with the CMD BSNL as also Secretary, DOT and the details of the discussions. The Forum has strongly opposed merger and stressed that the issues raised by it should be settled before any merger takes place. He also reported about the discussion with the ED(Finance) on the superannuation benefits issue of the BSNL Direct Recruitees. The Forum has demanded for a meeting with the High Level Committee appointed for recommending on the superannuation issue and it has been agreed to. The meeting is expected to be held shortly. The meeting with the Dept. of Expenditure officers on the isue of 78.2% for the pensioners/retirees and the present position of the case were also reported.
After discussion on all the agenda items, the following decisions were taken:
1. The Forum will strongly pursue with the DOT/Government the issues to be settled before any Merger of BSNL and MTNL. The Forum will also pursue with its strong opposition against the decision to form a tower company bifurcating BSNL.
2. The matter of pension contribution on the actual basic pay instead of the present contribution on the maximum of the paysacle should be pursued with DOT.
3. On the issue of superannuation of BSNL Direct Recruitees, Forum should strongly put our arguments for full 30% benefits.
4. The Forum will ask the BSNL Management to hold the delayed Welfare and Sports Committee meetings urgently.
5. A letter will be written to BSNL Management with suggestions to reduce the expenditure on electricity, diesel, petrol etc. which is the second biggest expenditure after payment of salary, by avoiding wastage and also by rationalising effectively. A proposal also will be given to observe a month, ” Save Electricity, Fuel Month” in April/May to focus and educate on the issue.
5. Next meeting of the Forum will be held on 13th March at 04.00 PM at BSNLMS Office.

V.A.N.Namboodiri New Delhi,
Convener, Forum. 10-03-2014

AIBDPA Punjab Circle formed

07 Friday Mar 2014

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THE MASSIVE CONVENTION OF BSNL DOT PENSIONERS HELD TODAY,
THE 6TH MARCH, 2014 AT BSNL BHAWAN, LUDHIANA HAS FORMED
THE PUNJAB CIRCLE UNIT OF ALL INDIA BSNL DOT PENSIONERS
ASSOCIATION.
COM.BALBIR SINGH, CIRCLE SECRETARY, BSNLEU, PRESIDED AND
MADE THE INTRODUCTORY SPEECH.COM.V.A.N.NAMBOODIRI,
ADVISOR, AIBDPA AND PRESIDENT, BSNLEU INAUGURATED THE
CONVENTION GIVING DETAILS OF THE FUNCTIONING OF AIBDPA,
THE ISSUES CONFRONTING THE PENSIONERS AND EFFORTS OF
AIBDPA IN SETTLING THE ISSUES INCLUDING 78.2% IDA MERGER.
THE GRAVE DANGER OF THE ENACTED PFRDA ACT WAS REMINDED.
COM.K.G.JAYARAJ,GENERAL SECRETARY,COM.R.L.MOUDGIL AGS &
CIRCLE PRESIDENT, BSNLEU ALSO ADDRESSED THE CONVENTION.
THE DOUBTS RAISED BY SOME OF THE COMRADES WERE REPLIED.
OFFICE BEARERS WERE ELECTED UNANIMOUSLY WITH COM.SATPAL
BADHAN (PRESIDENT) COM.TARSEM SINGH (CIRCLE SECRETARY)
AND COM.H.S.GILL (TREASURER )
THE CONVENTION CONCLUDED WITH VOTE OF THANKS BY COM.
BALVINDER SINGH, DS, BSNLEU, LUDHIANA.

AIBDPA Formation Conference at Ludhiana, Punjab

05 Wednesday Mar 2014

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The BSNL-DOT Pensioners in Punjab Circle will be meeting at Ludhiana, tomorrow, 6th March 2014, to form the AIBDPA Circle Branch of Punjab.
Coms. R.L.Moudgil, President and Balbir Singh Circle Secretary, BSNLEU have taken the initiative for the same.
Coms. V.A.N.Namboodiri, Advisor and K.G.Jayaraj, General Secretary AIBDPA will be attending the Conference.