Category Archives: BSNLEU

Three Decades valiant Struggles against privatisation of Telecom /BSNL – 1

09 Thursday Jan 2020

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Three Decades valiant Struggles against privatisation of Telecom /BSNL – 1

(A note on the sustained struggles organised by the Unions in Department of Telecom and later in BSNL, against corporatisation, privatisation and closure of the govt. telecom services since 1991, when the New Economic Policy of Liberalisation, Privatisation, Globalisation (LPG) started being implemented in India. This will be serially published).

Telecom is one of the most important infrastructure and service which helps to speed up development and growth of any country. During the last century, technological advances have been fantastic and telecom sector was no exception. In fact, the changes in telecom sector were beyond comparison.
At the time of Independence in India in 1947, there were only about 80,000 or so. India was far behind the developed countries. By 1980s, India was catching up, due to introduction of new technologies and expansion programmes. Magneto, Central Battery, Automatic etc. systems changed for electronic exchanges. Underground cables were laid all over the country. Number of employees rose to about 4.5 lakhs. The telecom revolution was going to start.
The combined Postal and Telegraphs Department was bifurcated in to Departments of Posts and Telecom. Telecom Commission was formed subsequently with more powers. Telecom became a highly profitable sector, with introduction of newer and newer technologies. Vast expansion was expected.
The collapse of USSR and consequent weakening of Socialist system changed the entire world scenario. Capitalist countries, with USA at the head, started dictating terms and conditions for other countries to follow. The trimurtis – International Monetary Fund (IMF), World Bank (WB) and World Trade Organisation (WTO)- worked as effective tools for the implementation of the new capitalist order.
Discarding its earlier motto of, ‘Socialist Pattern of Society’, the ruling Congress party had already shifted to the neo-liberalisation policy of Liberalisation, Privatisation and Globalisation (LPG). Massive Indian markets were opened for the MNCs to enter and garner huge profits. The greedy eyes of the MNCs have already focussed on Telecom, which was fully under the central government.
Athreya Committee Report -1991
The Athreya Committee, which was appointed to study the restructure of Department of Telecom, submitted its majority report in 1991, recommending corporatisation of telecom services as also privatisation. There was strong protest and outcry from the telecom workers and their unions. They very well understood that corporation / privatisation will be not only bad for the workers, but bad for the entire country. The entire telecom workers went on a successful One Day Token All India Strike on 31 December 1993 against the recommendations for corporatisation and privatisation. The government was compelled to shelve the proposal for corporatisation and privatisation for the time being. This was a big victory for the struggling workers.

(Will be continued).

BSNL plans outsourcing to make up for VRS retirement.

03 Friday Jan 2020

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

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78,569. It is the number of employees in BSNL, who have taken retirement through VRS and which will be effected by 31st January 2020.The retirement of such a large number of employees, more than 50% of the existing employees, will certainly adversely affect the service of BSNL. The AUAB and unions have demanded that the post VRS scenario and what to be done should be discussed with the unions. A detailed discussion is yet to take place.

In the meanwhile, management has issued certain instructions regarding outsourcing as also reduce the Business Areas by rearranging. Many small stations may be adversely affected, causing difficulty to the subscribers. BSNL is not for profit only, but it has a commitment to its subscribers and customers. BSNL management should urgently discuss all the post-VRS situation with the unions and find out effective solutions. Outsourcing work is a method of exploiting the unemployed and denying them the social benefits. Outsourcing should be transparent and according to the laws of the land.

78569 workers will leave BSNL on VRS – What about essential work in BSNL?

01 Wednesday Jan 2020

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

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78569 employees, more than half of the existing workforce in BSNL are leaving the company on 31-01-2020 on Voluntary Retirement Scheme. It will create a big vacuum in BSNL. The work being done by these employees will have to be managed by those remaining in service. It is not an easy task. While VRS is implemented with extra speed, connected other matters in the post VRS situation is not dealt by the BSNL Management or the Govt with the required urgency. Except VRS, the other actions with regards to Revival of BSNL are being delayed. Two months are over by 23rd December 2019, after the declaration of the Revival Plan. What happened to the allotment of 4G Spectrum to BSNL? Private Telcos have already been alloted 5G Spectrum for test purposes. Still no 4G to BSNL. What about Sovereign Guarantee, bank loans to BSNL?

The government should be compelled to honour its commitment. BSNL management should ensure that the Revival Plan is implemented. The contract workers should be paid their back wages. The services of the contract workers are very much required and any move to retrench them should be stopped.

We are sure that the unions and associations in BSNL under the leadership of AUAB will take necessary steps to compel the govt for implementing Revival plan.

AIBDPA Action Plan for Pension Revision

01 Wednesday Jan 2020

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

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The Central Executive Committee of AIBDPA held at Guwahati on 24-25 November 2019 has charted the following Programme of Action for achieving the demand of Pension Revision for BSNL pensioners w.e.f. 01-01-2017 with 15% fitment recommended by III Pay Revision Committee:

1. Submission of Memorandum to the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, signed by tens of thousands of pensioners.All pensioners, irrespective of union/association of BSNL/DOT to be approached and signature obtained. It is beneficial to all.
2. Meet all the Members of Parliament and request to take up the issue with the government. A copy of the Memorandum also to be given and matters explained.
3. Massive Hunger Strike on 12th February 2020 in front of the CCA Offices in the circles.
4. Massive March to Parliament on 12th March 2020 being participated by thousands of pensioners.

The injustice being meted out to the BSNL/DOT Pensioners should be explained and propagated to the entire pensioners and BSNL employees. 13 years have passed without ny pension revision. Press releases and Press conferences be organised to get wide publicity. The fact that the Central govt is going back on its promises should be exposed.

Participate and make all the programmes successful.

Happy New year! Welcome to AIBDPA!

31 Tuesday Dec 2019

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

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78569 BSNL officers and employees will be leaving their dear institution taking Voluntary retirement under VRS by 31st January 2020. Thus BSNL will lose a large number of employees who have steadfastly worked for long years and served the people. In addition, there will be some more employees who will be retiring on superannuation now.

Probably this will be the VRS, in which such a large number of employees have opted. It will seem that they have opted voluntarily, out of their own willingness and pleasure. But such is not the case. An examination of the various issues will give a different picture. It was one of most cunning plot, planned and implemented by the government and BSNL to send workers out of the company.

All these employees joined the Posts and Telegraphs Department / Department of Telecommunications (DOT) with great hopes for a better job, good remuneration and service conditions. A large number have joined as Reserve trained Pool (RTP), which was a scheme initiated at the time of Minister C.M.Stephen. The intention of the scheme was engaging trained personnel on hourly basis as reserve staff paying them a pittance of rupees. There was no intention to give them permanent job. They were to be kept as reserve trained pool. But once they joined, they understood that there is a strong Federation, NFPTE, and its affiliated Unions to take up their issues and organise struggle for them. Within a few years, through sustained struggles, all these comrades were regularised. It was a great achievement. Once they were regularised, they hoped that they will be able to continue their full term and retire on superannuation. The retirement age was increased from 58 to 60 by 1996. This means two more years of service.

Despite strong agitation and strike by the entire workers, Telecom Services were corporatised in to BSNL. The recognised federations, NFTE,FNTO and BTEF agreed for corporatisation after obtaining certain assurances. Unions like E.III(N), T.III etc. resisted till the last, well knowing that corporatisation is the first step towards privatisation.

But once BSNL was constituted, the above unions took up on themselves to ensure that the BSNL workers get justice and that BSNL is improved and strengthened. The conversion from CDA pay scales to IDA wef 01-10-2000 benefitted the entire employees, including officers. The role of BSNLEU in this was appreciated by all. BSNLEU became the sole recognised union in 2004 getting more than 50% of votes in the II Membership verification. BSNL strengthened and with an annual revenue of Rs.40,000 crore and a profit of an average of Rs. 6,000 crore became one of the biggest PSUs in the country. Govt. was worried that the private companies will be backtracked. It wanted to introduce VRS for 1 lakh workers, disinvestment of about 10% to 20% shares, unbundle the valuable copper cables spread all over India etc. to ensure that the company is weakened and is made ready for privatisation. The VRS draft Scheme was circulated.

BSNLEU, the recognised union, took initiative and brought all the unions under the Forum/Joint Forum and fought against these attacks. It clearly understood that VRS is neither beneficial to the company nor the workers. Massive propaganda was done. Many strikes and struggles were organised. 20th April 2010 strike was spectacular. The government was compelled to discuss and agree that there will be no VRS, no disinvestment, no unbundling of copper cables etc. etc. It was also agreed that wage revision w.e.f. 2007 will be finalised and that Pension Revision will be taken with the cabinet. Thus the govt could not even finalise the VRS and not a single official was sent out through VRS. It was a great victory against the govt’s anti-worker policy.

The struggle was not over. Pay Revision for executives was ordered as per recommendations of the II Pay Revision Committee. But BSNL took a tough stand on the pay revision of the non-executives. It took about three years to finalise the wage revision for employees and many agitations had to be organised. But at last the wage agreement was reached with 30% fitment, the highest at that time. Four Promotion Scheme (NEPP) was also got signed. Till that time non-executives were eligible for one or two promotions. Certain cadres had no promotion at all. The value of increments were increased. The telecom employees never in their life got such a better pay revision. This was done by BSNLEU through continuous struggles. Of course our allies were also there. The yearly wage bill increased from Rs. 10,000 crore to Rs. 14,000 crore because of the Pay/Wage revision.

Almost every year since 2004, there has been strikes, either done or withdrawn after settlement. Many of these struggles were for better service and allotment of spectrum etc.

Modi govt. is hell bound on favouring Reliance Jio, the new entrant owned by Mukesh Ambani, and wanted BSNL to be closed or privatised. But as long as the workers who fought continuously are there, it was not possible. A well planned attack was started on BSNL and its workers. 4G spectrum was denied to BSNL even after all others were given the same. BSNL was not allowed to purchase required equipment. All funds available with BSNL was taken over by DOT on one pretext or other. BSNL punged in to loss.

Next came the non-payment of wages to contract workers for about 10 months. The workers wages were delayed in many months. Govt and media always presented BSNL as a loss making company which can not be revived and has to be closed or privatised. The wage bill of the company was made a big issue. Propaganda was made that the retirement age will be reduced to 58 from the present 60. Insecurity was created in the minds of the employees. Due to the agitations of the AUAB, govt was compelled to state that BSNL will not be closed or privatised and that a Revival Plan will be implemented. It included VRS for 80,000 workers, allotment of 4G Spectrum, sovereign guarantee, locan etc. But the main plan was VRS.
In order to compel workers to opt for VRS all tricks were adopted by DOT and BSNL management including threats of transfer, work up to 12 hours etc. etc. And the result was that more than 78,000 employees opted for VRS. There are many gray areas in the VRS, which may create problems in future. But the workers felt so insecure that they opted for VRS.

There are two important issues in the present scenario. One is about the benefits and pension settlement etc of the employees opted for VRS. AIBDPA has already taken up the matter with DOT and the Member (Finance) agreed to our demand that all the retirees should get the pension by end of the month itself. In case, there is any delay, he agreed to pay provisional pension, so that all VRS retirees will get the pension without delay. AIBDPA has also demanded that all the settlements should be done without delay. Now that these workers will be pensioners from February, it becomes the duty of AIBDPA to settle their demands.

As far Revival of BSNL is considered the AUAB has already demanded for early allotment of 4G Spectrum, loan etc.

It is in this situation that the New Year 2020 is arriving. AIBDPA welcomes all the VRS retirees and requests them to become members of AIBDPA. All are pensioners and difference and division of the workers are not there. AIBDPA has got members from those retired from the BSNL Board as also other top officers. It has branches and circles all over the country. It is the biggest Pensioners Association in the Central govt. employees. It is affiliated to the National Co-ordination Committee of Pensioners (NCCPA) which is headed by Com. Shiv Gopal Mishra (AIRF) and Com. K.K.N.Kutty , both Members of the JCM National Council. AIBDPA is also affiliated to the Trade Union International (Pensioners and retirees) and its General Secretary Com. K.G.Jayaraj is one of the Executive committee Members.

AIBDPA has been formed 10 years back and had organised several agitational programmes for getting 78.2% IDA fixation for pensioners, Pension revision w.e.f. 2017,delinking of pension revision from pay revision etc. and also has presented the major demands of the DOT/BSNL pensioners before the VII CPC. Continuous efforts are being made for the grant of Pension revision.
The new pensioners on VRS can also get assured that their problems will be effectively taken by AIBDPA.

In fact, AIBDPA is in struggle path at present for the Pension Revision, Medical reimbursement, medical allowance etc. The programme includes meeting all M.P.s through out the country and forwarded our Memorandum of demands to the Prime Minister, Dharna on 12th February 2020 all over India and Parliament March on March 12.

AIBDPA is the organisation of the veterans of the struggles. We welcome all the new pensioners to its fold and assure that it will make out all efforts to settle the issues of the new pensioners.

We Wish a Happy and Fruitful New Year to all comrades, friends and wellwishers!

About VRS in BSNL

18 Monday Nov 2019

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

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About VRS itself:
1. No one needs to have any doubt about the intention of Voluntary Retirement Scheme in BSNL. It is not for the benefit of employees, but is a tool to reduce the number of workers in preparation for privatisatiion. The strikes and agitations in the privatised PSUs like VSNL, ITDC hotels, BALCO etc against retrenchment have taught a lesson, making tbe corporates to insist that the govt should reduce the workforce before privatisation.
2. VRS is a clear strategy of govt to reduce pension expenses in future. If an employee retires on superannuation, clear rules exist for Dearness Relief, Pension Revision, Family Pension etc. It is not clear for the pension on VRS. There are many grey areas. In this connection refer to the Supreme Court judgment in another case that VRS is a package by itself and revision of pension is not included.
3. Past experience of VRS in MTNL etc has shown that post VRS, services could not improve due to consequent shortage of staff and revenue decreased, resulting in loss.
4. By spending Rs.17,000 crore for VRS now, govt is expecting to reduce pension expences of the VRS retiress by lakhs of crores of rupees for the ensuing many decades.
5. If the VRS amount is for Revival of BSNL, why the govt all these years did not spend a single paise from the tax payers’ money for BSNL?
6.. Even when 60 or 65 years, employees are capable of doing their work efficiently, just like businessmen, politicians, self employed etc. While employed one gets more respect, more income, more energy and better health. Unless you are engaged in some way after retirement, situation is different.
7. Comparatively one may get more money at the time of retirement on VRS, than on superannuation. But one has to pay Incometax for the same, which will be a substantial amount.
8. Higher bank interest as eligible for senior citizens will not be eligible for VRS optees (till they are 60).
9. The govt, management, media, corporates through adverse propaganda has created a situation of insecurity in the minds of the employees. Non payment of wages for contract labour for about one year, delay in payment of salary to employees, statements of NITI Ayog and Finance Ministry about closure/ privatisation of BSNL, nonremittance to GPF, loans etc, etc has created fear about their future in BSNL, compelling them to think about option to VRS. Decision taken during mass hysteria need not always be the best.
10. Employees should ponder about all these as also calculate what they will get in comparison with what they will get on superannuation and later etc etc. The conditions of VRS have to be thoroughly studied.

No body should be victims of the pitfalls of VRS. One decade back when VRS package was offered in BSNL for one lakh workers ie. 50% of employees, not even 1% took it.
And they are very happy about their decision inview of higher pension, pension revision etc.

This note is not comprehensive, but only a few general points about the present VRS.
63Balu Melethil, Smitha Soman and 61 others

AIBDPA completes fruitful 10 years on 21st October 2019 – Celebrate the Foundation Day !

16 Wednesday Oct 2019

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

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All India BSNL DOT Pensioners Association (AIBDPA) completes fruitful activities of 10 years on 21st October 2019.

Formation.
AIBDPA was formed on 21st October 2009 in an All India Convention of BSNL – DOT Pensioners held at Garhwal Auditorium in New Delhi. It was with the active co-ordination and assistance of BSNL Employees Union (BSNLEU), the recognised union of BSNL employees. Comrades A.K.Bhattacharjee, P.V.Chandrasekharan and J.N.Mishra, veteran leaders of the telecom movement, presided. Com. V.A.N.Nambodiri, General Secretary of BSNL Employees Union, who took initiative for holding the Convention welcomed all. Com. M.K.Pandhe, CITU President, inaugurated the Convention. In his address, he congratulated the BSNL DOT pensioners for holding the convention for forming an all India association for the BSNL DOT Pensioners. Com. S.K.Vyas, the undisputed leader of the the CG Employees and Secretary General of National Co-Ordination Committee of Pensioners Association (NCCPA), greeted the convention and expressed his happiness for forming the association. Com. V.A.N.Namboodiri presented the draft back ground report on the formation of the association.

The hundreds of delegates attending the Convention from almost all the circles approved the formation of the AIBDPA with thunderous applause. The Constitution was adopted. The office-bearers with Comrades V.A.N.Namboodiri (Advisor), P.V.Chandrasekharan (Patron), A.K.Bhattacharjee (President), K.G.Jayaraj (General Secretary) and M.L.Tiwari (Treasurer) were unanimously elected.
BSNLEU gave a donation of Rs. 50,000 for the initial expenses, which was much appreciated by the house. Thus the AIBDPA was born.

During the last ten years of its existence, AIBDPA has grown as the biggest organisation of the BSNL DOT Pensioners as also one of the biggest affiliate of the NCCPA. Advisor of AIBDPA V.A.N.Namboodiri is the Patron and K.G.Jayaraj, General Secretary, AIBDPA, the Asst. Secretary General of NCCPA. KGJ is also the Executive Committee Member of the Trade Union International (Pensioners and Retirees) which is affiliated to the World Federation of Trade Unions(WFTU).

Since its inception, AIBDPA has been continuously taking up the issues of the BSNL DOT pensioners with the authorities, including CMD BSNL, Secretary DOT etc. On important issues, it met the Communications Minister also and discussed which paved way for settlement. The issues of the BSNL DOT Pensioners were raised in the Parliament through MPs. In settling the Pension Revision due from 2007, 78.2 IDA fixation, removal of 60:40 ratio issue, restoration of Medical Allowance, increasing of medical allowance etc. AIBDPA was always in the forefront.

AIBDPA along with NCCPA were the first to be invited for discussion by the VII Pay Commission, before which the major issues of BSNL DOT pensioners were presented by V.A.N.Namboodiri, Advisor.

AIBDPA organised several agitational programmes, March to Parliament, Dharna etc. for settlement of various issues. All these were well participated. It supported and participated in the programmes organised by BSNLEU and AUAB on the issues of revival of BSNL and on other demands. AIBDPA office-bearers are actively participating in the Pension Adalat and other forums for settlement of grievances.

AIBDPA CHQ publishes one quarterly journal ‘Telepensioner’ for the benefit’of its members, which is widely circulated.

AIBDPA is a democratic and progressive organisation of DOT BSNL Pensioners. It will continue to serve the BSNL DOT pensioners and organise struggles to achieve them.

The tenth anniversary of BSNL is approaching when the BSNL is in severe crisis. The pro-corporate and privatisation policy as well as the anti-PSU policy have made the healthy and profitable BSNL to loss making and weak. Contract workers have not received wages for the last 10 months. Pension Revision for BSNL pensioners as per III PRC wef 01-01-2017 has not been granted so far. Salaries are delayed for executives and employees. 4G Spectrum is not allotted to BSNL. Govt is openly supporting Reliance Jio and other private companies. The All Unions and Associations of BSNL have given call for struggle on the issues. AIBDPA fully support the struggles.

AIBDPA has given call to observe and celebrate the 10th anniversary of AIBDPA in a befitting way. Organise conventions, GB Meetings, demonstrations etc. and explain the past achievements and the struggles for the present demands. Take this opportunity to enroll more members.

Warm greetings to all on the 10th anniversary of AIBDPA!

BSNL contract workers on Strike in Kerala from 19th September.

25 Wednesday Sep 2019

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

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BSNL contract workers in Kerala are on complete strike from 19th September 2019 demanding payment of wages including arrears for the last 7 months, reinstatement of the retrenched workers etc. The striking workers are organising demonstrations and dharna every day. BSNLEU and AIBDPA are giving full support, including financial assistance. In Kerala CCLU is organised under CITU. Strike aid committees are formed at Circle level and district level and all help including financial assistance is given.

A well attended Convention with  leaders of service organisations etc. were held at Kozhikode on 25th Sept which was inaugurated by Com. V.A.N.Namboodiri, All India President BSNLCCWF. The meeting was presided by Com. Sulaiman, CITU Secretary, also Convenor of the strike-aid committee. Com.K.Mohanan, Wkg. President, CCLU and leaders from many unions addressed and expressed solidarity and support to the striking workers.

Membership Verification in BSNL on 16th September 2019

22 Thursday Aug 2019

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

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The VIII Membership Verification for grant of recognition to the union of non-executives is going to take place on 16th September 2019. Out of the 7 verifications already conducted since formation of BSNL, BSNL Employees got first position and recognition in all the verifications, except in the first, and got continued recognition. From 2nd to 7th verifications, BSNLEU got more than 50% of the votes polled.

The situation has not changed. BSNLEU throughout the period as recognised union had made efforts and settled many of the major issues. Of course, there are many more issues to be settled including the wage revision w.e.f. 01-01-2017.

In this verification, there is no doubt that BSNLEU will as earlier. It is also necessary that the workers are approached to get increased support.

Decision to reduce retirement age from 60 to 58 in BSNL is in violation of 2000 agreement.

22 Thursday Aug 2019

Posted by in BSNL, BSNLEU

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The reported decision of the central govt to reduce the retirement age of BSNL employees from 60 to 58 is against the assurance of the central government that the opted employees will not be at any disadvantage in BSNL. This was clearly stated at the time of the formation of BSNL. The retirement age for CG employees is 60 now, and it can not be reduced for the BSNL employees.

Further, the employees have planned so many arrangements like marriage of sons/daughters, construction of houses, refund of loans and other financial dealings taking in to consideration that they will be  getting salary till they complete 60 years. All these plans will be smashed, if the retirement age is reduced from 60 to 58.

Further, more than  20,000 employees will be retiring in the next two years even without reducing the retirement year. Then why this unusual haste.

The amount which will be required immediately for the pensionary benefits can be utilised for the development/expansion of BSNL.

The BSNL Unions/Associations have strongly protested against the move to reduce retirement age and organised massive protest demonstrations. Further programmes are on the anvil.

The govt should drop the decision.