Category Archives: Forum

We can not be lazy and casual, BSNL has to be revived

29 Monday Jun 2015

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In the latest circular of the Forum, it is mentioned that no reports have been received from the circle Forums / Unions, about the 09.00 PM- 07.00 AM campaign from 8th June 2015 called for by the Forum. This is distressing. The BSNL employees are in the middle of a great Save BSNL Campaign, and we can not be lazy or casual on the issue. The campaign has now been extended to one more month, which is required.

When the house is on fire, no body can be inactive or casual. BSNL is facing difficult times. The challenge has to be made an opportunity to improve the services, to improve the financial position.

‘Do or Die’, ‘Perform or Perish’ are not mere slogans. They are the slogans which have to be made practical when we meet challenges. Let us be serious, determined and dedicated to the cause of saving and strengthening BSNL.

Meeting of Forum at Bengaluru

29 Monday Jun 2015

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A meeting of the Forum of BSNL Unions/Associations Karnataka Circle was held at BSNLEU Circle Union Office on 29th June 2015. Com. Sheshadri, AGS NFTE presided. Circle Secretaries / Representatives of BSNLEU, SNEA, AIBSNLEA, FNTO, SEWA BSNL, TEPU and other leaders attended. Com. C.K.Gundanna, Circle Convener, Forum and CS BSNLEU and Com. H.V.Sudershan, Convener, Forum, BGTD welcomed all as also Com. VAN Namboodiri, Founder Convener of Forum, who was present. Com. G.G.Patil (AIBDPA) was also present.

Com.V.A.N.Namboodiri, former Convener, Forum briefed the comrades about the latest developments regarding the Save BSNL Campaign, 09.00 PM – 07.00 AM and free roaming Campaign and issues connected with the 21-22 April 2015 Strike, the discussion with the Secretary, DOT, discussion with the Minister Communications etc. by the AIBDPA on 78.2% IDA pension fixation. The necessity of utilising the present opportunity to improve the services and development were also explained.

All the comrades present participated in the discussion. The points raised by the comrades were replied to by Com. Namboodiri.

Struggles by Workers to Defend and Save BSNL : 2004 – 2015 ( 20 )

29 Monday Jun 2015

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NFTE & FNTO requested to come back to JAC

As per the decision of the JAC, letters were addressed to NFTE and FNTO to come back to the JAC. Discussion also took place. They stated that they will put the issue before their respective working committees.

JAC meeting with the Secretary DOT on 04-08-2011

The JAC leaders met Shri Chandrasekhar, Secretary DOT on 04-08-2011 and discussed some of the issues raised by the JAC. Shri S.C.Misra, Member(Services) was also present. The following issues were discussed.

  1. Absorption of ITS officers.
  2. Against retaining of BSNL buildings with DOT
  3. National Broadband Network to be entrusted to BSNL
  4. Cancellation of licences of errant companies.
  5. Delay in payment of Revision of Pension from 01-01-2007 and its arrears.
  6. BSNL’s pension contribution to be on the actual basic pay instead of on the maximum of pay

Secretary, DOT assured to consider all the matters positively.

Withdrawal of Medical Allowance, LTC, Leave Encashment etc.

BSNL started posting loss from 2009-2010. It was more loss in 2010-11. In this circumstance, instead of expanding the business, the BSNL management, in the name of reducing expenditure, issued orders withdrawing the Medical Allowance without voucher, restrictions on LTC,  curtailing Leave encashment at the time of availing LTC etc. Further the management did not take any action to pay Bonus. This was done while the employees under the leadership of JAC were making all efforts to improve the services and to make BSNL financially viable.

Dharna on 14th September 2011

The meeting of the JAC held on 7th September discussed the matter and decided to organize dharna on 14th September in all SSAs/Circle and Corporate office. A meeting was called by PGM(SR) to discuss the above issues. But there was no result. The Dharna programme as decided was organized effectively with massive participation in all the centres. This was a clear warning to the management.

JAC decides for One Day Strike on 10th October 2011

The meeting of the Joint Action Committee held on 21st September 2011 discussed all the above issues and decided to organize agitational programmes including strike for settlement of the present issues.  The following programmes were decided:

  1. One Day Fast on 27-09-2011
  2. One Day Strike on 10-10-2011

It was also proposed to meet as many Members of Parliament as possible and seek their support for the demands and agitation. The Strike Notice was issued on 22-09-2011 with the following demands:

  1. No VRS
  2. Immediate payment of Bonus(PLI)
  3. Restoration of Medical Allowance, Leave encashment and LTC.
  4. Immediate conclusion of the process of ITS absorption
  5. 2% IDA fixation
  6. Immediate procurement and supply of equipments including GSM, BB Modem, Cables,Trans SMS, MLLN etc. and implementation of important business projects like ERP, NGN and transmission NMS.
  7. Government Policy Issues:
  8. Compensation for loss making rural services according to policy commitments.
  9. Pension Contribution to DOT only on actual basic pay instead of maximum of the pay scale.
  10. Refund of Rs. 8,313 crore paid towards non-standard BWA spectrum band
  11. Grant of flexibility in selecting circles choice for 3G spectrum
  12. Access deficit Charge(ADC) should be quantified through adequate and appropriate mechanism and paid to BSNL
  13. Reimbursement of Licence fee as assured at the time of corporatization.
  14. Refund of ‘Notional Loan’ of Rs. 7,500 crore with interest collected by DOT to BSNL
  15. Discontinue all Telecom Advisory Committees.

The strike notice was signed by Comrades V.A.N.Namboodiri, Convener JAC, P.Abhimanyu(BSNLEU), G.L.Jogi(SNEA(I), P.Venugopal(AIBSNLEA), V.Subburaman(TEPU), Suresh Kumar(BSNLMS), Ram Kishun Ram(BTU BSNL), Gajendra Kumar(BTEU), S.C.Gaur(BSNLOA), N.D.Ram(SEWA BSNL), R.K.Kohli(NFTBE).

As per the decision massive dharnas were organized on 27th September 2011 at SSA/Circle/C.O. levels successfully.

Strike postponed for broader unity

The JAC contacted  NFTE and FNTO leaders who were keeping away from the JAC for some time and requested that they may join JAC and also participate in the one day strike proposed on 10th October 2011. Both unions agreed to join the strike, if it is postponed so that they will get time to prepare. Accordingly, the Strike date was postponed to 15th December 2011. The Strike Notice was issued  on 17-11-2011 signed by Comrades V.A.N.Namboodiri, Convener, JAC, P.Abhimanyu (BSNLEU), G.L.Jogi (SNEA(I), Prahlad Rai (AIBSNLEA), V.Subburaman (TEPU), Suresh Kumar (BSNLMS), R.K.Kohli (NFTBE), Kanchilal(SEWA BSNL), R.K.Ram(BTU BSNL) and S.C.Gaur(BSNLOA). NFTE and a few other unions stated that they will issue separate notice and participate in the strike. (To be continued)

Struggles by Workers to Defend and Save BSNL : 2004 – 2015 ( 19 )

27 Saturday Jun 2015

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2011

Meeting with Secretary, DOT on the strike issues

A meeting of the JAC  was held with Shri R.Chandrasekhar, Secretary, DOT on 06-02-2011 with regard to the implementation of the agreement made on 2nd December 2010 at the time of the strike.

Protest Against BRPSE’s retrograde recommendations

In the meanwhile, the BRPSE recommended implementing VRS in BSNL, Reduction of retirement age to 58,  Merger of ITI with BSNL etc. The meeting of the JAC held on 29-03-2011, unanimously decided to organize country wide demonstrations on 5th April 2011 against these retrograde recommendations. The demonstrations were effectively organised throughout the country.

The Convener, JAC, Com.V.A.N.Namboodiri wrote a detailed letter to Communications Minister Shri Kapil Sibal on 12-04-2011 with regard to the absorption of ITS officers in BSNL. Another letter was written on the same day to the Lok Sabha secretariat submitting our suggestions on the allocation and pricing of telecom licences and spectrum to the Joint Parliament Committee (JPC) appointed for the purpose and seeking a meeting.

In the meantime, NFTE and FNTO stopped attending the Forum meetings. The reason seemed to be the misunderstanding arisen due to the hectic campaign in the Membership Verification of non-executive unions held in the December 2010.

“Customer Delight Month”, “Employees Awareness Week”

The JAC meeting held on 29th March 2011 decided to observe May 2011 as “Customer Delight Month”, to educate and propagate among the workers the need to attend to the  customers in a far better way so that the services will be better and there will be good feeling among the customers. The financial viability of the company was going down and the service was also not up to the mark. Hence, the programme of “Customer Delight Month”. There was general consensus in the meeting that the ‘government mind set’ should be changed and work culture should be improved. It was also decided to give wide publicity to the decision. In the same way an “Employees Awareness Week” is also to be observed from 24-04-2011. These programmes were effectively observed in many places.

A meeting was held with the JAC by Shri Gopal Das, CMD, BSNL on 20-05-2011 on the implementation of the “Customer Delight Month” in which the JAC gave a number of valuable suggestions. On the basis of these suggestions, the BSNL issued several instructions to the field offices for taking specific actions to improve the services.

The JAC had another round of discussions on 03-05-2011 with the newly appointed CMD Shri R.K.Upadhyay on the suggestions for improvement of the services and implementation of the “Customer Delight Month”. The Directors (HR), (CFQ) and (CA) also attended.

The JAC also decided to organize   JAC meetings in circles which should be attended by the leaders of the Forum/General Secretaries of the JAC affiliated unions. These meetings were effectively held.

The JAC  objected strongly against the action of  DOT arbitrarily taking over the important BSNL buildings in many places and handing over the same to CCAs etc. Resolution was adopted in the meeting on this subject on 27-04-2011 and forwarded to the Prime Minister, Communications Minister, Secretary DOT and CMD BSNL.

ITS Absorption –  Court case

The  meeting of the JAC held on 8th April 2011 decided to file a court case on the ITS absorption issue. The case will be filed by BSNLEU, SNEA(I) and AIBSNLEA jointly. This was done.

Proposals for a New Telecom Policy 2011 were submitted to the Communications Minister Kapil Sibal on 06-06-2011 as per decision of the JAC.

“Customer Delight Year 2011-12”

The meeting of the Joint Action Council held on 13th July 2011 discussed in detail about the implementation of the “Customer Delight Month”. The reports received from the General Secretaries showed that while in some centres, the observation has been effective, in many places the workers have not started the programme seriously. However, there have been improvement in almost all places. It was decided to extend the programme and convert it to “Customer Delight Year 2011-2012”. A Circular was issued in the matter signed by the Convener and all the General Secretaries.

The Director(HR) BSNL Shri A.K.Garg  issued a letter on 20th July 2011 to all the CGMs intimating that the JAC has decided to observe “Customer Delight Year 2011-12” and to ensure that all actions are taken to make the programme a success. (To be continued)

“Post card campaign” to save BSNL – Forum Decision

27 Saturday Jun 2015

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“Post card campaign” to be conducted in the month of August.

The Forum meeting held yesterday, has expressed it’s dissatisfaction over the fact that, the government has not taken any meaningful step for the revival of BSNL. It is already 2 months since the 2 day strike has taken place, and also talks were held with the Secretary, DoT. Except in the matter of 78.2% IDA merger for pensioners, no improvement has come on any other issue. The Forum has decided that, the whole month of July should be utilised to increase our customer base. At the same time, the Forum has come to the conclusion that, we cannot remain silent for long. Hence, it is decided in the meeting held yesterday that, a “Post card campaign ” should be conducted in the month of August. This campaign should take place from 10th to 22nd August, 2015. A post card should go from each and every employee to the Hon’ble Minister of Communications, demanding immediate steps for the revival of BSNL. The text of the post card shall be as follows:-

” Hon’ble Minister of Communications & IT is requested to immediately settle the demands submitted by the Forum, for the revival of BSNL. “

The post card should be signed by the individual employee, with his name, designation and SSA. The Forum at the circle and SSA levels should organise this campaign.  Let us make the post card campaign a grand success. Let us arrange to send one post card from each of the 2.25 lakh BSNL employees. Let us make the Minister and the government understand about the determination of the BSNL employees to revive BSNL. (Courtesy: BSNLEU Website)

BSNLEU /AIBDPA Meeting at Bengaluru on 27th June 2015

27 Saturday Jun 2015

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A well attended meeting of BSNLEU and AIBDPA, Bengaluru District, CGM Office, Civil/Electrical, QA and STR was held at BSNLEU Office, Bengaluru at 14.00 hours on 27th June 2015, presided over by Com. Kempe Gouda, District President. Com. C.K.Gundanna, Circle Secretary, Karnataka spoke about the decisions of the CEC at Dalhousie. The house stood in silence for one minute paying homage to Com. A.M.Patil, Circle secretary, Gujarat, who passed away at the time of CEC. Com. H.V.Sudershan, Dist. Secretary, BGTD, addressed the house and welcomed all. Senior leaders  Muddiah, J.V.Keshav, T.S.Krishna Moorthy, Infran Pasha, Shravan Kumar singh, Farooque, Girish, Krishnan kutty, H.C.Prakash, Bharathi, M.Manchaiah, Shivalinga Prasad and other leaders were in the dais.

Com.V.A.N.Namboodiri, founder General Secretary and Patron BSNLEU and also Founder Convener of Forum of BSNL Unions/Associations addressed the house and briefed about the latest developments after the successful 2 days strike on 21-22 April 2015, the meeting with the Secretary, DOT and the assurances etc. He also spoke about the efforts being made by the Forum and the Management to implement the ‘09.00 PM- 07.00 AM’ campaign for improvement of services and  BSNL expansion.  The present position of 78.2% IDA pension fixation was also stated. Com. Namboodiri answered and explained on the issues raised by the members. He was given a very affectionate reception at the meeting.

The Bengaluru Comrades assured Com. Namboodiri that BGTD and other districts in Bengaluru will ensure the ‘Save BSNL Campaign’ very effectively and ensure profit for the BSNL.  Thanks for the Bengaluru Comrades and Circle Union for the excellent meeting and discussion.

Struggle for Trade Union Unity

26 Friday Jun 2015

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“Comrades, we must clearly understand the meaning of the struggle for trade union unity. This unity has a purpose to defend the interests of the working class to defend the principles of trade union movement, to move the movement forward.”
B.T.Ranadive on the Foundation Day of the CITU, 1981

Struggles by Workers to Defend and Save BSNL : 2004 – 2015 ( 18 )

26 Friday Jun 2015

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Historic Strike – Magnificent Achievement

The 3 days strike started on 1st December 2010. The BSNL Offices and exchanges in the country were closed without anybody attending. It was a complete strike. The press gave good publicity. Sister unions like Confederation, NFPE, AIIEA, BEFI and others expressed solidarity and support. The BSNL workers going on strike to defend the company was well received by the public.

BSNL Management as well as Government did not expect such a full strike. The Secretary, DOT called the unions for discussion on 2nd December 2010, the second day of the strike. CMD BSNL was present. After the discussion with DOT a meeting was held with the BSNL Management. Agreement was reached on the demands at about 2130 hours on the same day and the strike was deferred.

The official minutes of the meeting and the agreement is given below:

Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited ( No.BSNL/7-15/SR/2010 dated 2nd December 2010)

Representatives of BSNL Unions/Associations met with the Secretary (Telecom), DOT today where CMD BSNL was also present. A follow up meeting with BSNL Management under the Chairmanship of CMD, BSNL Shri Gopal Das, was also held at 15.00 hours on 2nd December 2010 in which representatives of JAC as well as from the management side were also present.

In the course of the meeting, the unions emphasized on the following issues;

*Procurement of GSM equipment

*Benefit of 50% IDA merger in pay fixation

The management side clarified that action is under way for procurement of 5.5 million lines to meet the immediate demand for North and east Zones. In addition, a proposal is also being considered to procure 15 million lines for the next year.

On the issue of benefit of 50% IDA Merger in pay fixation (effectively amounting to 78.2%) CMD BSNL informed that the case has been deliberated in the 130th meeting of the Board held on 25-08-2010 wherein the Board taking in to account all the pros and cons decided to defer the implement of the benefit of 50% IDA merger for pay fixation till the Company’s financial position improves considerably and there is visible signs of recovery. On further insistence by the JAC members, CMD requested the union leaders to provide fresh inputs on this issue which could be examined by the management before submitting the case to BSNL Board for its consideration. On the remaining issues, the position is given in Annexure-1

With this, CMD BSNL again requested the JAC members to withdraw its ongoing strike, to which the JAC members agreed.

The main points of the agreement were as follows:

  1. No Disinvestment/IPO for the present
  2. No unbundling of last mile copper
  3. Pension Revision note will be resubmitted to cabinet for decision immediately
  4. ITS Absorption issue –Cabinet Note circulated to related Ministries
  5. Adequate procurement of mobile equipment will be expedited
  6. 2% IDA pay fixation will again be discussed in BSNL Board
  7. Projects and Programmes of development will be taken up
  8. Commitment of Financial viability will be taken up with the government.

The agreement was signed by all the General secretaries and convener JAC, who have given the notice for strike. Thus the historic strike was called off after the second day. The BSNL workers were happy that the management and the DOT was compelled to agree to most of the demands raised by the JAC. A circular was issued by Convener JAC and General Secretaries congratulating the workers for the excellent strike and assuring that the JAC will continue the struggles for implementation of the agreement. (To be continued)

Struggles by Workers to Defend and Save BSNL : 2004 – 2015 ( 17 )

25 Thursday Jun 2015

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Strike postponed to  1st to 3rd December  2010

In view of the Bihar Assembly elections and Kerala Local body elections, the JAC meeting held on 23-09-2010 decided to postpone the 3 days strike from 19th to 21st October to 24th to 26th November 2010. Due to unavoidable circumstances again the strike dates were postponed to 1st to 3rd December 2010.

Strike Notice issued.

The notice for the three days strike was issued on 15-10-2010 signed by Coms. V.A.N.Namboodiri, Convener, JAC, P.Abhimanyu(BSNLEU), K.Vallinayagam(FNTO), Raj Kishore (BSNL WRU), V.Subburaman(TEPU), G.L.Jogi(SNEA(I), S.S.Tomar(BSNLMS), R.K.Kohli(NFTBE), (SNATTA), P.Venugopal(AIBSNLEA), D.P.Patwa(AIBCTES) and N.D.Ram(SEWA BSNL).

The Demands :

  1. Refund of Rs. 18,500 crores to BSNL paid to government towards 3G and BWA spectrum charges.
  2. 2% IDA Merger for wage revision w.e.f. 01-01-2007
  3. Immediate settlement of ITS Group A absorption issue.
  4. No Disinvestment/IPO of BSNL
  5. No VRS
  6. Procurement of adequate mobile equipments.
  7. No unbundling of last mile copper cable.
  8. Implement government’s commitments on financial viability of BSNL given at the time of corporatization by continuing exemption from Licence Fee, and continuation of ADC, USO Fund
  9. Effective and expeditious implementation of implementation of programmes and projects like ERP, NGN etc. Immediate fool proof measures for smooth change over to CDR
  10. Government departments and PSUs should be manadated to take telecom services from BSNL/MTNL only
  11. Revision of Pension on IDA along with wage revision. Immediate revision of IDA pension of pre-2007 BSNL retirees.

Historic Parliament March on 15th November 2010

In preparation for the 3 Days Strike from 1st December 2010, the Joint Action Committee organized a massive March to Parliament on 15th November 2010. Thousands and thousands of BSNL employees participated in the March which started from the Bharat Sanchar Bhawan, the Corporate office of BSNL. The March was stopped at the Parliament Street by the police where a huge  rally  was held. Com.Basudev Acharia, M.P., inaugurated the rally. Com.V.A.N.Namboodiri, Convener, JAC spoke in detail about the demands of the workers and the anti-BSNL decisions of the Government and the necessity of making the 3 days strike from 1st December a great success. Coms. P.Abhimanyu(BSNLEU), G.L.Jogi(SNEA(I), Prahlad Rai(AIBSNLEA), C.Singh(NFTE) and other General Secretaries addressed.

Strike Notice issued

The Strike Notice for 3 days strike was issued signed by Coms. V.A.N.Namboodiri, Convener JAC, P.Abhimanyu(BSNLEU), Chandeshwar Singh (NFTE) & Chairman JAC, Suresh Kumar (BSNLMS), N.D.Ram(SEWA BSNL), S.C.Gaur(BSNLOA), G.L.Jogi (SNEA(I), Prahlad Rai (AIBSNLEA), Anil Kumar(BSNL ATM),K.Vallinayagam(FNTO), V.Subburaman(TEPU), Raj Kishore (WRU) and R.K.Ram (BTU BSNL). A Circular with details of the demands was circulated. Wall Posters were printed and distributed in large numbers. Parliament Members raised questions in the Parliament on the various issues mentioned in the strike notice. Press Releases were also issued by the JAC which were prominently published in the newspapers.

Struggle for Bonus

On the plea of loss to the company for the financial year, Bonus was denied to the BSNL workers. The JAC discussed the issue and decided to go on Hunger Strike on 15-10-2010. The same was organised effectively with good participation.  A Dharna was also organised on 28-10-2010. But the issue of payment of Bonus was not settled. (To be continued)

Struggles by Workers to Defend and Save BSNL : 2004 – 2015 – ( 16 )

24 Wednesday Jun 2015

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Indefinite Strike from  20-04-2010 and Agreement

JAC Revives Agitational Programmes.

The Joint Action Committee which met on 9th June 2015 reviewed the latest developments including the assurances given by the Communications Minister, Secretary DOT and CMD BSNL on the strike agreement on 20-04-2010. The meeting expressed its utter disappointment at the lethargic manner in which the issues were being dealt with. Instead of 93.3 million GSM tender, only 5.5 million tender was floated. BSNL was compelled to pay spectrum charges of Rs. 10,186 crore and Rs. 8,313 crore  will have to be paid for BWA spectrum charges. This will take away almost all the cash balance of BSNL. 78.2% IDA was not paid to staff, though that was one of the agreements. Revision of Pension for BSNL pensioners from 01-01-2007 also was not settled.  Under these circumstances, the JAC decided to revive the agitational programmes. Accordingly the following action programmes were decided:

  1. Lunch Hour demonstrations on 14-06-2010
  2. Dharna at C.O./Circle/SSA levels on 16-06-2010

These programmes were effectively organized with massive participation.

The JAC leaders met the Secretary, DOT, Shri P.J.Thomas on 18th June 2010 and discussed, but no issue was solved. The JAC met the full BSNL Management Committee on 21-06-2010 and had detailed discussion, but no results.

Under these circumstances, the Joint Action Committee met again on 21st June 2010 and decided to ensure that maximum efforts should made to save the BSNL. The following programmes of action were decided:

  1. Post Card campaign: All the employees should send Post Card to Dr. Manmohan Singh, Prime Minister with the following demands written on it:

Respected Sir,

Kindly ensure financial viability of BSNL by reimbursing 3G and BWA Spectrum charges of Rs. 18,500 crores paid by BSNL, to enable it to implement the socio-economic commitment of the Central government.

Yours Faithfully,

Name, Designation, Signature.

These cards should be sent by all the employees by 5th July 2010, so that more than 3 lakh Post cards will reach the Prime Minister.

 

  1. A National Convention to be held at New Delhi on 21st July 2010 with massive participation of employees. The JAC decided to hold similar conventions in major cities also.
  2. Meetings with Communications Minister, Finance Minister and Prime Minister be sought for, for pressing our demands.
  3. The JAC should be formed at Circle, SSA and Branch levels immediately to organize the programmes effectively and successfully.

A detailed circular was issued by the JAC which was signed by Comrades V.A.N.Namboodiri, Convener, P.Abhimanyu(BSNLEU), Prahlad Rai(AIBSNLEA), S.P.Sharma(BSNLWRU), (FNTO), D.P.Patwa(AIBCTES), (NFTE), Suresh Kumar (BSNLMS), Rana Pratap (BEA BSNL), G.L.Jogi (SNEA(I), R.S.Yadav(ATM), N.D.Ram(SEWA BSNL) and Ram Kishun Ram(BTU BSNL).

Meeting with Communications minister A.Raja on 24-06-2010 at Coimbatore

With a view to stop BSNL’s payment of Rs. 8,313 crore towards BWA Spectrum charges, the JAC leaders held an emergent meeting with Communications Minister Shri A.Raja, who was attending the World Tamil conference at Coimbatore on 25-06-2010. Coms. V.A.N.Namboodiri, Convener, P.Abhimanyu(BSNLEU), G.L.Jogi(SNEA(I), and Prahlad Rai(AIBSNLEA) attended. The following issues were discussed:

  1. Procurement of 10 million mobile equipment
  2. Reimbursement of the Rs. 18,500 crores to BSNL, which was the charges paid by it to the government for the allotment of 3G and BWA spectrum.

The meeting was cordial and the minister agreed to favourably consider the same.

National Convention of BSNL Workers on   19-07-2010

As per the decision of the  JAC, a National Convention of BSNL Workers was held on 19th July 2010 at Mavlankar Hall New Delhi to give wide publicity to the problems of BSNL and educate the workers and prepare them for agitational programmes. The Convention was presided by Com.N.T.Sajwani, Chairman of the JAC. Com. V.A.N.Namboodiri, Convener welcomed and also presented the draft declaration of the Convention. Com. Basudeb Acharia, Member of Parliament and senior leader of the working class inaugurated the Convention. Prominent Central trade union leaders Com.M.K.Pandhe, Vice-President CITU, Shri G.Sanjeeva Reddy, President, INTUC,  Com.G.L.Dhar, Secretary, AITUC, Com.Prabir Purkayasta, telecom expert and other leaders addressed the Convention and supported the JAC movement.

The Convention was also addressed by Coms. P.Abhimanyu(BSNLEU), G.L.Jogi(SNEA), C.Singh(NFTE), K.Vallinayagam(FNTO), Prahlad Rai(AIBSNLEA), Suresh Kumar(BSNLMS), V.Subburaman  (TEPU), Hari Singh (BTU), N.D.Ram(SEWA BSNL), D.P.Patwa(AIBCTES), Shrivastava(WRU) and O.P.Gupta (Former SG NFTE). A large number of employees were mobilized from the nearby circles like Rajasthan, UP(West), Punjab, Haryana, H.P. and Uttarakhand.

After the declaration was adopted the Convention declared to launch a powerful nationwide strike from 19th to 21st October 2010. The declaration called upon the workers to make the strike a big success. The Convention also declared that if the government/BSNL Management fails to settle the issues, the 3 days strike will be converted in to an indefinite strike.

As per the decision of the National Convention, circle level conventions were held  with massive participation and addresses by the leaders of the Joint Action Council. (To be continued)