All Unions and Associations of BSNL (AUAB) ,in its meeting held on 07-09-2020 , has decided to observe Black Day on 01-10-2020 in protest against the trecherous stand of the government by denying 4G to BSNL.  Starting 4G services by BSNL is most important and crucial to the revival of BSNL. Unfortunately, the BSNL management is also dancing to the tunes of the government in this vital issue.

Therefore, AIBDPA, fully endorses the decision of AUAB to observe Black Day on 01-10-2020, the foundation day of BSNL. AIBDPA units are requested to co-operate with the local AUAB units for the successfull implementation of the decision, without hindrence to our own program of International Pensioners Day on the same date. (AIBDPA website)

The discussion with the CMD BSNL did not result in any settlement since almost all the issues were to be settled by the DOT. Secretary DOT did not call the Forum for any discussion on the strike issues. Though a call was received in the late evening of 20th April 2015 immediately, it could not take place since most of the General Secretaries were not available since all were in strike preparation and out of Delhi. Hence the strike.

The Strike started from 00.00 hours on 21/22 April and continued till 00.00 hours of 22/23 April 2015. The strike was a complete success with almost 100% in most of the places. In many circles, the entire offices and exchanges stood closed and deserted without any employee to work. Huge demonstrations were organised in front of offices by the striking employees. The casual and contract workers as per the call of the BSNLCCWF also struck work on both the days. As per the call of AIBDPA, BSNL – DOT Pensioners participated in the demonstrations and gave solidarity and support. Central trade unions like CITU, AITUC, BMS, INTUC and others also supported. AIRF, AIIEA, Confederation of CG Employees and Workers, BEFI, NFPE AISGEF and other federations gave full support and extended solidarity.

Com. V.A.N.Namboodiri, Convener met many Members of Parliament and briefed them about the demands raised in the strike and requested that these may be raised in the Parliament. The Forum is much thankful that M.P.s Comrades Shankar Prasad Dutta, Jitendra Choudhary (both from Tripura), P.Karunakaran( Leader of CPI(M) in Lok Sabha), P.K.Biju, A.Sampath and P.K.Sreemathi (all from Kerala) raised the issues in zero hour in the Parliament on 22nd April and demanded the intervention of the government. In addition, some of these M.P.s addressed letters to the Communications Minister. (to be continued)

Consequent to the notice issued for Two Days Strike on 21-22 April, CMD BSNL held a meeting with the Forum of BSNL Unions/Associations at 04.00 PM on 17th April 2015 on the demands raised in the strike notice. Shri Anupam Shrivastava. CMD BSNL, Smt. Sujata Ray, ED Finance, Shri Shameen Akthar Sr. GM SR, Smt. Madhu Arora GGM Estt. Shri A.Sinha, GM Admn and Shri S.S.Agarwal GM Pers attended from the management.

The Forum was represented by Coms. C.Singh Chairman Forum, V.A.N.Namboodiri Convener, Suresh Kumar, Prahlad Rai, Rashid Khan, H.P.Singh, Swapan Chakraborty, K.Sebastin, Rakesh Sethi, Rana Pratap, Neeraj Kumar,R.Gunasekharan, Sunil Gautam, R.G.Paney, Sathya dev Sharma, Mohinder Singh, Hari Singh and Prabodh Kumar representing various unions/associations.

All the demands raised in the strike notice were discussed in detail. The discussion continued for more than three hours. More than half of the issues were items on which decision is to be taken by the Government / DOT. On those issues, the management was asked to take up the same with the DOT and fix a meeting of the Forum with DOT. The following is a brief gist of the discussion:

1. Immediate procurement of adequate equipment: The management stated that some equipment have been purchased and tenders have been called for others. The Forum leaders stated that there is still acute shortage adversely affecting the service.
2. Compensation for loss making rural connections: Matter pertains to DOT/Govt.
3. Financial Assistance to BSNL from Government: The Forum demanded that the management should take up with the DOT for getting the refund of spectrum charges of Rs. 6,700 crores as also Rs. 1,250 crores in lieu of ADC for the year 2012-13 at the earliest. Management stated that this will be done. It was also stated that the government has allowed BSNL to take loan of rs. 7,000 from the banks.
4. No merger of BSNL and MTNL: Pertains to Government/DOT.
5. Stop formation of Tower Company: Mater pertains to DOT/Govt.
6. Reject TRAI recommendation to surrender 1.2 MHrz Spectrum: BSNL has taken up the matter with the government.
7. Prompt filling up of posts of Directors Finance, HR and CM: Issue pertains to Govt/DOT
8. Transfer of all assets including land to BSNL: Pertains to Govt / DOT.
9. BSNL service to be mandatory to central/state governments, PSUs: Pertains to govt / DOT.
10. Immediate refund of BWA Spectrum charges to BSNL: Matter pertains to govt / DOT.
11. Spectrum liberalisation by BSNL without any payment to government: Issue taken up with the government.
12. Reject anti-BSNL recommendations of M/s Deloitte Committee: The recommendations are being examined.
13. Allot spectrum free of cost to BSNL: Pertains to govt / DOT.
14. BSNL should start 4 G services: Pertains to govt / DOT.
15. No mandatory purchase of equipment from ITI: The Forum leaders pointed out that if ITI is able to provide equipment in time, they have no objection. Management stated that this pertains to govt /DOT.
16. Grant of 78.2% IDA merger fixation to pre-2007 and post-2007 pensioners: The Forum expressed its serious unhappiness in the undue delay. The issue pertains to DOT/Govt.
17. Pension Revision of BSNL retirees: The case taken up with the DOT, who has to take action.
18. Pension Contribution on actual basic pay, instead of on the maximum of the pay scale: The matter taken up with the government.
19. Implement Cabinet decision on 30% superannuation benefits to BSNL direct recruited employees: BSNL Board has decided for a Defined Contribution Superannuation Pension Scheme for all direct recruited employees and the same will be submitted to DOT for approval. The Forum insisted that this is not sufficient and the 30% superannuation benefit should be ensured for the BSNL recruited employees, as provided by DPE guidelines.
20. Fresh Recruitment of staff: Need based recruitment will be made in future.

On the issues connected with DOT / Government, the Forum demanded that these issues should be taken up by the management with DOT. Management stated that efforts are being made for arranging a meeting of the Forum with DOT. As indicated above, most of the items pertain to DOT / Government. No developments on the other issues also, except that the Forum leders effectively presented the demands.

It was decided that the Forum will meet on 20-04-2015 for last minute consultations. In the meantime, the circles/SSAs/Branches were requested to fully mobilise the workers for the two days strike on 21-22 April 2015. (to be continued)

The Parliament March which was decided to be held on 19th December 2014 had been postponed to 25th March for more time for preparation. Almost all the state level conventions were held effectively and with massive participation of employees and addressed by leaders of the All India Forum. Lakhs of signatures were collected from the people demanding the government to take necessary action for revival of BSNL.

The Parliament March on 25th February 2015 started from the BSNL Corporate office premises. The leaders of the Forum walked behind the large banner of the Forum with PARLIAMENT MARCH printed on it. Thousands of workers participated with banners and flags of all the unions and associations. Though the Police authorities denied permission, the March went through Janpath, Tolstoy Marg and Jantar Mantar. When it reached the Parliament Street, it was stopped by the police with barricades. The rally was held there itself.

The rally was presided over by Com.C.Singh (NFTE) and President of Forum. Com.V.A.N.Namboodiri, Convener welcomed all and congratulated the workers and leaders for the massive participation and presented the demands of the workers. The meeting was addressed by Com. Tapan Sen M.P. & General secretary CITU, Shri Brijesh Upadhyay, General secretary BMS, Com.Shiv Gopal Mishra, General Secretary AIRF, Com. Amarjit Kaur, Secretary AITUC and Dr. Dharam vir Gandhi M.P. (AAP). It wass also addressed by all the General secretaries of the unions affiliated to the Forum.

A delegation consisting of C.Singh, V.A.N.Namboodiri, P.Abhimanyu, GS, BSNLEU, K.Sebastin, GS SNEA and Prahlad Rai GS AIBSNLEA went and submitted the Memorandum to the Prime Minister’s Office.

The Parliament March was a big success in all respects. The workers and leaders of the Forum and Unions/Associations deserve much appreciation for the same. ( to be continued).

Notice for 2 Days Strike on 21-22 April 2015

The notice for 2 days strike on 21-22 April 2015 was served on the BSNL management and Secretary DOT on 12-03-2015 after a mighty demonstration in front of the Corporate office. Demonstrations were held in Circles and SSAs.

The following were the demands in the Strike Notice:

1. Immediate procurement of adequate equipments, for the much delayed expansion of BSNL networks, with focus on state-of-the-art technology. Govt should enable BSNL to get the necessary finance for this procurement.
2. Compensation for BSNL’s loss making rural land line services, as per the assurances given by the government at the time of formation of the company.
3. Financial assistance to BSNL to expand the network as assured. Payment of Rs. 1,250 crores in lieu of ADC.
4. Do not merge BSNL and MTNL without fulfilling the demands of the unions and Associations of BSNL.
5. Stop formation of a subsidiary tower company of BSNL. BBNL should be merged with BSNL.
6. Reject TRAI recommendation to surrender 1.2 MHz spectrum
7. Prompt filling up posts Director(Finance), Director(HR) and Director (CM).
8. Transfer all its assets including land to BSNL.
9. Immediate refund of BWA spectrum charges of Rs. 6,700 crore to BSNL for the surrendered spectrum.
10. BSNL service should be made mandatory to Central, State governments and PSUs.
11. Allow spectrum liberalisation by BSNL, without payment of any additional charges.
12. Reject anti-BSNL and anti-worker recommendations of M/s Deloitte Committee.
13. Allot spectrum free of cost to BSNL.
14. BSNL should start 4G services
15. No mandatory purchase of equipment from ITI
16. Grant of 78.2% IDA Merger Fixation for pre-2007 and post-2007 pensioners.
17. Pension Revision of BSNL retirees.
18. Pension contribution on actual basic pay, instead of maximum of the pay scale for employees absorbed in BSNL, as is being done in the case of Central Govt employees.
19. Implement Cabinet decision on 30% superannuation benefits to BSNL direct recruit employees.
20. Fresh recruitment of staff

The strike notice was signed by Convener Forum and General Secretaries of all the Unions and Association in the Forum. (to be continued)

BSNL Management has issued orders two days back directing the Circles / SSAs to retrench the contract workers, especially in the House Keeping, security etc. This is being done in the name of paucity of funds. It was stated by the management earlier that once VRS is implemented the situation would improve. But despite the fact that 8 months are over after the implementation of VRS, more contract workers are being retrenched. It will not only result in loss of job for those workers who have wholeheartedly worked before and after the formation of BSNL, but also will deteriorate the services.

We strongly oppose the anti-worker, anti-BSNL move. Demand the BSNL management to withdraw the order and continue engagement of these contract workers. It is also demanded that the pending wages of the contract workers be paid.

BSNLCCWF CHQ has called upon its Circles/Branches to submit memorandum to the Labour Commissioners in their respective places on 8th September 2020 pointing out all the grievances of the workers. Make the programme a success.

As per decision of the Forum, a detailed memorandum was prepared to be presented to the Members of Parliament explaining the requirement of BSNL and to take up the issue with the government. This was circulated to the Circle / District Secretaries asking them to meet the M.P.s of their constituency requesting them to take up the matter with the government.

Programmes of Action demanding Revival of BSNL.

The financial position of BSNL was deteriorating. For continuous four years BSNL has posted loss. Equipments are not procured due to lack of funds. The issues of the workers are not being settled in the name of loss. Despite continued efforts of the Forum and the unions/associations, neither the government nor the management was taking any action to improve the situation. Continuous meetings of the Forum were held in December 2014 and decision was taken to organise sustained struggles including indefinite strike for making compulsions on the government and the management to take necessary immediate actions for the revival of BSNL.

1. A Demands day to be observed on 11th December 2014.
2. Massive Campaign for 10 days from 11th to 20th December 2014 by meeting the public, M.P.s, MLAs, Trade Unions etc. seeking support of our demands.
3. One crore signature to be obtained from the public in support of the demands addressed to the Prime Minister.
4. Parliament March on 19th December 2014 with massive participation on which date the signature will be presented to the Prime Minister.
5. 3 days dharna on 6-8 January 2015.
6. Indefinite Strike from 3rd February 2015.

The meeting of the Forum held on 5th December 2014 felt that more time is required for the Signature Campaign and other programmes to be organised successfully. It was also decided that state level conventions should be held in order to mobilise the workers for the indefinite strike. The General Secretaries should jointly participate in these conventions. The Forum should be formed in circles where it has not been formed so far. Such conventions were held successfully with massive participation. The date of the Parliament March was postponed for sufficient preparations, including reservation of tickets from far away places.

The Forum contacted all the unions/associations of executives and non-executives in BSNL and called upon them to be party in this great struggle for revival of BSNL and SAVE BSNL – SAVE NATION CAMPAIGN.

Contribution to J and K Relief Fund

There was heavy rain and unprecedented floods in Kashmir in September 2014 killings hundreds of people destroying houses and every thing. For days, Srinagar was submerged including government offices and even hospitals. The Forum meeting held on 12-09-2014 decided to contribute one day basic pay for the Kashmir Relief Fund and addressed the BSNL Management to deduct it from the salary and pay to the Relief Fund. This was done. (to be continued).

Memorandum to Communications Minister

In the general elections in 2014, UPA was defeated and NDA government was formed with Shri Narendra Modi as Prime Minister. Shri Ravi Shankar Prasad was new Communications and IT Minister. Immediately on taking over charge, he stated that revival of BSNL and MTNL is his priority. He criticised the earlier government for not attending to the requirement of these two PSUs.

In this circumstance, the Forum in its meeting on 22-05-2014 decided to submit a memorandum to the Communications Minister.

The following Memorandum was submitted to the Minister on 26-05-2014:

1. Honour the assurances given to BSNL at the time of corporatisation
2. Provide Financial Assistance to BSNL
3. Refund Spectrum Charges paid by BSNL to government.
4. Stop formation of new/subsidiary companies disintegrating BSNL
5. Fill up posts of Directors of BSNL Board
6. Pension contribution to be calculated on the basis of actual pay instead of on the maximum of the pay scale.
7. BSNL services to be made mandatory for central/State/PSU establishments.
8. Absorption of ITS Officers in BSNL
9. 78.2% IDA merger for BSNL pensioners.
10. The Memorandum was signed all the affiliates of the Forum.

M/s Deloitte Committee recommendations opposed.

In the meanwhile, M/s Deloitte Consultants, which was engaged by the BSNL Management gave its recommendations with regard to the financial viability and revival of BSNL. There was no discussion or consultation with the Unions/Associations. The recommendations including VRS, combining SSAs, reducing the number of staff etc. were completely against the interest of BSNL and its workers. The meeting of the Forum held on 24-08-2014 strongly opposed the recommendations and decided to organise agitational programmes for rejecting the same.

1. Protest Demonstrations on 12th August 2014 at Corporate Office / Circle / SSA
2. Press Statement to be issued against the retrograde recommendations of Deloitte Consultants
3. Meet the Communications minister to discuss the same.

The demonstrations in Delhi was held on 21st August to adjust with the meeting of the Heads of Circles at that time in corporate office. All the programmes were successfully organised. But however, no meeting with the Minister was held. (to be continued).

NO TO PRIVATISATION OF BPCL…..
Joint Platform of Central Trade Unions and Federations calls for Observance of Countrywide Solidarity Actions with the Two-days United Strike Action by BPCL Unions Against Anti-national Move of Privatisation on 7th and 8th September 2020.
The meeting of the Joint Platform of Central Trade Unions and Federations held on 24th August 2020 at New Delhi welcomes the decision of the unions of employees of Bharat Petroleum Corporations Ltd (BPCL) to go in for united strike action in BPCL establishments throughout the country on 7th and 8th September 2020 against the anti- national move of the Government for outright privatization of BPCL through strategic sale and also against brazen attack on the rights of the workers.
The Joint Platform of CTUs and Federations again addressed a joint letter to the Minister of Petroleum & Natural Gas on 25th August 2020 to refrain from such a anti- national move which will deprive the Government of regular annual income of more than Rs.8000/- crores in dividend alone, besides taxes etc. As decided in the joint meeting, the Joint Platform of CTUs and Federations also calls upon all the unions and federations in the country and workers in general to hold massive solidarity action in respective workplaces and industrial centres on 7th and
8th September 2020 in support of the striking BPCL employees against privatization and attack on labour rights.
INTUC AITUC HMS CITU AIUTUC
TUCC SEWA AICCTU LPF UTUC

Red salute to Comrade Ho-Chi-Minh on his 51st Death Anniversary

51 years have passed after the death of Comrade Ho-Chi-Minh, the revolutionary leader who won freedom for the Vietnam and made it a Communist nation. It was not an easy task. The US, with all its war machine was compelled to accept defeat and withdraw from its attack on the country. The socialist system once again showed its superiority in facing the epidemic Covid-19, with very few causalities in Vietnam.

Red salute to Com. Ho-Chi-Minh!