2014

Memorandum to the Prime Minister

As per the decision of the Forum, a Memorandum was prepared and presented to the Prime Minister on 14-02-2014 on the following burning issues facing BSNL and its workers:

1. No Merger of BSNL and MTNL without settling the question of MTNL’s huge liability and disinvestment as also the HR Issues
2. No formation of subsidiary Tower Company as proposed
3. Revival of BSNL.
4. Loss on rural services should be compensated to BSNL
5. Provide soft loan to BSNL for procurement of equipment etc.

The Forum also expressed it s strong protest against the non-discussion of these issues by the BSNL Management as also DOT.

Lunch Hour Demonstrations on 28-02-2014

As per decision of the Forum meeting held on 27-02-2014, lunch hour demonstrations were held on 28-02-2014 against merger of BSNL & MTNL and formation of companies bifurcating BSNL. Though at short notice,  the programme was well responded by the workers.

Superannuation benefits of Directly Recruited employees

The Forum leaders met the High Power Committee appointed by the Management on 14-02-2014 and discussed about the superannuation benefits to the BSNL recruited employees. Forum leaders insisted for 30% benefits as per the guide lines of DPE. The management was prepared to provide only 20%. A detailed letter on our demands was given to the management.

Merger of BSNL and MTNL

The Forum wrote a strong letter to the BSNL Management and DOT opposing the proposed merger of BSNL and MTNL and warned that if any arbitrary decision is taken, the workers will be compelled to go on agitational programmes including indefinite strike. It was assured by DOT that the concerns raised by the unions will be taken in to consideration and the unions will be consulted before any final decision is taken.

Pension Contribution

Forum demanded the DOT that the pension  contribution to be paid by BSNL to DOT should be on the actual basic salary and not on the maximum of the scale as is being calculated at present. No decision was taken in the matter. (To be continued)

Meeting with CMD BSNL on 30-11-2013

A meeting of the Forum with the CMD, Shri R.K.Upahyay was held on 30-11-2013, which was participated by the General Secretaries of the Unions. The demands of the workers as well as the proposals for the revival of BSNL were discussed in detail.

12^th December 2013 Parliament March by Central Trade Unions

As per the decision of the meeting of the Forum held on 9^th October 2013, the BSNL employees in large numbers participated in the Parliament March held on 12^th December 2013 as peer the call of the Central Trade Unions on the 10 Point demands raised by them.

2013 was also a year of struggles by the BSNL workers as per the call of the Forum. 20 meetings of the Forum was held in the year and important decisions taken. (to be continued)

Uttarakhand Disaster Relief Fund

The meeting of the Forum held on 26^th June 2013, expressed its great sorrow in the death of hundreds of people of Uttarakhand floods and landslides and decided to donate one day pay as donation for the relief fund. The BSNL Management was accordingly requested to collect the amount from the pay and give it to the Prime Minister’s Relief Fund.

Badge Campaign against 100% FDI in Telecom

The Forum meeting held on 17^th July 2013 decided to organize a Badge campaign against the decision of the Government to increase FDI in Telecom from 74%to 100%, which will result in the telecom sector being completely taken over by the foreign corporates. Accordingly, BSNL employees wore the Badge with the words “Drop Decision to Increase FDI in Telecom & Defence” on 25^th July and attended the offices. Demonstrations were also organized on the day.

National Convention of BSNL Employees on 3^rd August 2013.

The National Convention of BSNL Employees was held at Mavlankar Hall, New Delhi on 3^rd August 2013 which was attended by more than 1,000 delegates from all over India. The Convention was organized by the Forum of BSNL Unions & Associations to discuss and decide upon the measures to be taken for improving the financial position of BSNL and also for improving the services.

Com.Chandeshwar Singh, SG NFTE and President Forum presided. Com.V.A.N.Namboodiri, Convener, Forum, welcomed the guests and delegates and introduced the draft Declaration of the Convention for discussion and adoption. Central Trade Unions leaders including Com. Gurudas Dasgupta, M.P. & General Secretary AITUC, Com.Swadesh Dev Roye, Secretary, CITU, Shri B.N.Rai, General Secretary, BMS, Dr. Udit Raj, President, All India SC/ST Employees Federation, Thomas John, Organising  Secretary, INTUC and  Com. R.Venkatraman (LPF &TEPU) addressed. The Central Trade Union leaders strongly criticized the anti-worker policies of the UPA-II government. They supported the demand of the BSNL workers for revival of BSNL and MTNL. They also assured that they will take up the issues with the government and wholly supported the trade union actions of the Forum.

The Convention was addressed by all the leaders of the Forum Unions ie. Com. Animesh Mitra (BSNLEU), K.Sebastin(SNEA(I), Prahlad Rai(AIBSNLEA), Suresh Kumar (BSNLMS), N.D.Ram(SEWA BSNL), K.Jayapraksh(FNTO) S.V.S.Subrahmanyam (BTEU) and others who supported the Draft Declaration presented by the Convener. The Convention unanimously adopted the Declaration presented in the house. The Convention also called upon the circle and SSA leaders to hold similar conventions at their level.

The National Convention was a big success in mobilizing the workers and propagating the demands on revival of BSNL and improving the services.

As per the decision of the Forum, State level conventions were held in most of the states.

Parliament Members approached in support of BSNL Revival

After the Forum leaders  contacted them many Members of Parliament of various parties including S/Shri Basudeb Acharya(CPM), Dr.Sanjeeva Reddy (Congress), Khagan Das (CP(I)M), P.R.Natarajan (CPIM), Gurudas Dasgupta (CPI) and others wrote to the Prime Minister and Communications Minister on the revival of BSNL. Questions in the Parliament were also raised by some of these MPs.

Closure of Telegraph Services – Protest by Forum

The Government and the BSNL Management decided to close the centuries old Telegraph Services w.e.f. 15^th July 2013, stating that there is no business and it is in loss. The Forum strongly opposed this move and demanded that at least the services should continue in major cities. The Convener Forum Com. V.A.N.Namboodiri visited Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata  Telegraph Offices, held meetings, collected the number of existing telegrams and other particulars and demanded the BSNL Management and Government not to close down Telegrams services, stating that still people are using the same. Press Statements were issued. However, the BSNL Management closed the services on 15^th July itself as announced. The demand of the Forum to open a Museum was accepted and the Forum was informed in writing that a Telegraph Museum has been established in Kolkata. (To be continued)

2013

Agitation programmes

The meeting of the Forum held on 24^th January 2013 discussed about the long pending issues like 78.2% IDA fixation, ITS repatriation, 30% fitment/ 5 increments for post-2007 recruited employees, procurement of equipment, formation of BBNL and its adverse impact etc. The following programmes of action were decided.

1. Savingram to Secretary DOT on 28 – 30 January. The following savingram to be sent to Secretary, DOT by SSA Secretaries with copy to CMD BSNL and Minister of Communications:

DEMAND IMMEDIATE IMPLEMENTATION OF AGREEMENT ON 78.2% IDA MERGER”

2. Lunch Hour Demonstration on 11^th February 2013
3. Dharna on 15^th February 2013 at SSA level.

These programmes were effectively implemented.

Child Care Leave order issued by BSNL

Consequent to  the sustained efforts of the Forum, the orders on Child Care Leave was issued on 08-03-2013. It was a very great relief to the women officials.

ITS Repatriation Case Filed by BSNLEU, SNEA(I) and AIBSNLEA

The above organizations filed case against the order of the government granting permanent  deputation to BSNL to ITS officers on the same day after they were repatriated to DOT as per the High Court Order. This was in fact a clear violation of the High Court judgment.

Memorandum to the GoM on Revival of BSNL

In the meantime, the Government of India appointed a Group of Ministers (GoM) 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 the Sam Pitroda Committee in 2010, which only recommended measures which will weaken the BSNL/MTNL, like VRS for one lakh employees, Disinvestment of 30% shares etc. Appointment of the present GoM was also on the same line.

Despite this back ground, the Forum of BSNL Unions/Associations gave a detailed Memorandum to the Chairman of the GoM with the following suggestions, proposals.

1. Management of BSNL should belong to the company, not on deputation
2. No Disinvestment in BSNL
3. No VRS in BSNL
4. Compensation for rural services.
5. Procurement mechanism for equipment for expansion
6. Refund of BWA Spectrum charges
7. Reimbursement of Licence Fe
8. Exemption from payment to USO Fund contribution
9. Exemption for BSNL from payment towards additional spectrum
10. Providing Services to Central/state Governments, PSUs, Banks etc.
11. Refund of interest on notional loan of Rs. 7,500 crore.
12. Transfer of assets and making land bank for commercial utilization
13. Revival of telecom Factories.
14. Compensation for cable damage for the work executed by government agencies.
15. Compensation for Telegraph services.
16. Abolition of Telephone Advisory Committees(TAC)

A detailed introduction on the growth and development of telecommunications in India was also given as introductory remarks.

The Memorandum was signed by Comrades V.A.N.Namboodiri, Convener, Forum, P.Abhimanyu (BSNLEU), Suresh Kumar(BSNLMS), Prahlad Rai(AIBSNLEA), K.Sebastin (SNEA(I), S.P.Sharma (BSNLWRU), K.Jayaprakash(FNTO), R.Raveendran(SEWA BSNL), Chandeshwar Singh (NFTE), S.C.Gaur(BSNLOA), P.Andiappan (FNTOBEA), Hari Singh (BTU), R.Venkatraman (TEPU), R.K.Kohli(NFTBE), S.V.S.Subrahmanyam(BTEU) and S.D.Sharma (ATM).

The copy was sent to the Prime Minister and concerned ministers also. Though Forum requested for a hearing, no such meeting took place. This showed the casual attitude of the GoM to the important suggestions placed by the Forum.

Action Pogrammes

Since there was acute delay in settlement of the issues raised by the Forum, the meeting of the Forum held on 9^th May 2013 decided to organize further programme of action, including strike as shown below;

1. Demonstration at SSA level on 22-05-2013
2. Dharna at SSA level on 05-06-2013
3. Indefinite Strike from 12-06- 2013.

It was also decided to issue an Appeal to the workers calling them to fully make the strike successful. The Strike Notice was issued on 17^th May 2013. It was signed by Comrades V.A.N.Namboodiri, Convener, Forum, P.Abhimanyu(BSNLEU), Suresh Kumar(BSNLMS), S.C.Gaur(BSNLOA), (NFTE), K.Sebastin(SNEA(I), K.Jayaprakash(FNTO), R.Raveendran (SEWA BSNL), Prahlad Rai(AIBSNLEA), R.K.Ram(BTU BSNL), Gajendra Kumar(BTEU), R.Venkatraman (TEPU), R.K.Kohli(NFTBE), P.Andiappan(FNTOBEA), S.P.Sharma(WRU) and S.D.Sharma (ATM). The appeal was also signed by all these unions.

In preparation for the strike, the meeting of the Forum held on 06-06-2013 decided to organize Lunch Hour Demonstrations on 11-06-2013, issue press release and hold a Press Conference on 10-06-2013 and also meet the Secretary BRPSE, since the 78.2% was referred unnecessarily to BRPSE.

All the programmes before the 12^th June Strike were effectively implemented.

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% on which agreement was made one year back on the eve of strike from 13^th June 2012.  The orders on 78.2% IDA fixation was approved by the DOT on 10^th June 2013  and orders issued on the same day by BSNL.  This was a great achievement, considering the fact that BSNL was in loss and was facing severe financial crisis.

The Forum met on 11^th June 2013 and after review of the entire situation, including the issue of orders on 78.2% IDA fixation, decided to call off the Indefinite Strike given notice of from 12^th June. The decision for the withdrawal of the strike was conveyed to the CMD BSNL signed by all the unions on 11^th June itself. A Circular was also issued congratulating the workers for their determination and full preparation for the strike which compelled the DOT and BSNL management to issue the orders.

The Meeting of the Forum held on 13^th June 2013, seriously discussed about the revival of BSNL and decided that serious campaign amongst employees as also the people should be organized to give wide propaganda. Accordingly it was planned to hold an All India Convention at Delhi followed by Circle/SSA Conventions within the next three months. Forum demanded the Management to regularly conduct the Works Committee meetings to discuss development and expansion with the Unions. The Forum also formed a Core Committee with Comrade V.A.N.nambooiri(Convener), P.Abhimanyu(BSNLEU), K.Sebastin(SNEA(I), C.Singh(NFTE), Prahlad Rai(AIBSNLEA), K.Jayaprakash(FNTO) and N.D.Ram(SEWA BSNL) to meet urgently and implement decisions. (To be continued)

ITS Absorption

Despite continued demand, the ITS absorption was not settled. The Forum Meeting on 04-09-2012 decided to organize Lunch Hour Demonstration on 18^th September and the same was effectively implemented.

The Forum leaders met Secretary, DOT and also CMD BSNL on the issue of the implementation of 78.2% IDA fixation and ITS absorption issue, but there was no progress. Hence the meeting of Forum held on 4^th October 2012 decided the following:

The Forum decided that the court case for getting intervention in the ITS absorption in the Delhi High Court to be continued effectively. We should demand the BSNL Management and the Government that the repatriation should be finalized as per Govt., DPE guidelines. Failing the above, all absorbed employees should demand for repatriation back to DOT.

In order to achieve the demands, it was decided to organize a Savingram Campaign demanding immediate repatriation of ITS officers. A dharna to be organized on 15-10-2012. Parliament March to be organized on 26^th October 2012 and Relay Hunger Strike from 29^th October to 3^rd November 2012.

Savingram Campaign

As per decision, Savingrams were sent to Prime Minister, Communications Minister, Cabinet Secretary, Secretary DOT and CMD BSNL demanding that the ITS absorption issue settled with out any further delay.  Massive dharnas were organized in all SSAs/Circles and at Corporate Office, Delhi.

In the meanwhile, the Unions/Associations in MYNL were also contacted since the ITS absorption issue is a common issue for both BSNL and MTNL. It was decided that a joint meeting of the Unions/Associations in BSNL and MTNL be held and the prospects of joint programmes planned.

Joint Forum of BSNL/MTNL Unions/Associations

The meeting of the Unions/Associations of Executives and Non-Executives in BSNL and MTNL was held on 25^th October 2012 presided by Com.M.K.Bagchi, Convener of the United Forum of MTNL Unions/Associations. Com.V.A.N.Namboodiri, Convener of the Forum of BSNL Unions/Associations reported the actions already taken in the ITS absorption issue and further planning. Detailed discussion took place. It was decided that a Joint Forum of BSNL/MTNL Unions/Associations of Executives and Non-Executives be formed. Com.M.K.Bagchi (MTNL) was elected as the Chairman and Com.V.A.N.Namboodiri(BSNL) as the Convener. In order to make the Parliament March with more massive participation and to enable the MTNL employees also to participate the date of the March was postponed to 22^nd November 2012. In preparation for the same, Joint Demonstrations were held in Delhi and Mumbai and all centres in the country on 8^th November 2012. This was implemented effectively. The meeting of the Joint Forum held on 8^th November discussed and took necessary decision for organizing the Parliament March on 22^nd November.

Mammoth Parliament March on 22^nd November 2012 by BSNL/MTNL employees

On the day of the Parliament March, from the early morning workers started coming to participate. Hundreds of workers from the nearby states of Rajasthan, Punjab, UP(West), Haryana etc. came. Wall Posters of the March was pasted before all BSNL / MTNL Offices. A mighty demonstration took place before the March started from Bharat Sanchar Bhawan. The March was led by the leaders of the Joint Forum of BSNL/MTNL Unions/Associations. The workers held placards, banners and flags of all unions/associations in large numbers. The March went through the town towards Parliament but was stopped at the Parliament  Street by the Police with barricades. The March was converted in to rally there and the meeting was held with an improvised stage.

Members of Parliament, Com. Basudeb Acharia(CPIM) and  Shri Arjun Meghwal (BJP) addressed and supported the demands and assured that they will take up the case with the government. Com.M.K.Bagchi, Chairman JF presided and Com.V.A.N.namboodiri, Convener welcomed all and presented the demands of the JF. All the leaders of the Forum addressed.

The Chairman and Convener of the Forum, Coms. M.K.Bagchi and V.A.N.Namboodiri went and presented the Memorandum  to the Prime Minister demanding immediate repatriation of the ITS Officers to DOT.

The Parliament March was participated by thousands of workers. It was a huge success.

Murder of Com. Sukhender Singh, District Secretary BSNLEU, by  GM, Ghasiabad

The meeting of the Forum held on 25-10-2012 condemned the murder of Com. Sukender Singh, DS, BSNLEU Ghaziabad by the GM, Ghasiabad and demanded the BSNL Management to take immediate action against the GM by suspension/transfer and filing FIR.

Agitational Programmes by Joint Forum of BSNL/MTNL Unions

The meeting of the Joint Forum held on 4^th December 2012 reviewed the Parliament March and further decided that joint actions are necessary in the following issues.

1. Immediate refund of BWA Spectrum charges to BSNL and MTNL.
2. No extra charges for extra 2G Spectrum being held by BSNL/MTNL
3. Adequate compensation for BSNL landlines operations which are loss making
4. Immediate release of funds from USOF
5. Exempt BSNL/MTNL from spectrum liberalization and refarming
6. Sanction of adequate funds from USOF to BSNL and MTNL.
7. Immediate procurement of equipments both in BSNL and MTNL
8. Payment of government Pension to MTNL retirees
9. Immediate issue of Presidential Directive from DOT for 78.2% IDA fixation for BSNL employees

Two Days Dharnas were held on 17^th and 18^th December 2012 on the above issues with massive participation.

As in earlier years, 2012 was also a year of hectic activities. 21 meetings of the JAC/Forum/JF were held in 2012. (To be continued).