Sustained Struggles to save BSNL -16 Indefinite Strike from 26th February 2008 deferred after discussion with DOT

27 Wednesday May 2020

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Indefinite Strike from 26th February 2008 deferred after discussion with DOT

Consequent to the serving of notice for indefinite strike wef 26th February, a meeting was called by DOT Secretary Shri Sidharth Behura on 19-02-2008, in which CMD BSNL Shri Kuldeep Goyal was also present. Com.V.A.N.Namboodiri, Convener JF and other leaders explained the demands of the strike and asked to settle the same.

The outcome of the discussion, as given in writing,  is narrated below:

  1. Disinvestment of BSNL: There is no immediate proposal for IPO/Disinvestment. Minister has also issued a press release on this.
  2. VRS Proposal: If the BSNL employees do not want VRS, no such scheme will be introduced.
  3. Withdrawal of DOT’s arbitrary orders on pension ( 60% – 40% ): The matter will be taken with the Cabinet.
  4. Uninterrupted supply of 2G, 3G Spectrum: This will be given preference. BSNL will be allotted 3G Spectrum.
  5. Ensure BSNL’s Financial viability: DOT Secretary stated that cabinet Note is under circulation and assured discussion with Minister and appropriate action will be taken for the same.
  6. Navaratna Status to BSNL: DPE shall forward the case for grant of Navaratna status to BSNL for consideration by apex body.
  7. Immediate absorption of Group A Officers: Matter is under active consideration of DOT. Draft Cabinet Note is under preparation and the final note will be prepared with 15-20 days.

To a question in the Parliament, the Minister of State for Communications and IT Shri Shakeel Ahmed stated that the government is not considering disinvestment of BSNL.

Strike postponed.

After the discussion with the Secretary DOT and CMD BSNL who assured immediate action on all the above matters, the joint Forum met and decided to defer the strike. ( ( To be continued )

50th Foundation of CITU on 30th May 2020 – Human Chain in One lakh places will be organised

26 Tuesday May 2020

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30th May 2020 is the 50th foundation anniversary of Centre of Indian Trade Unions, the most militant trade union in the country. CITU was formed in the Kolkata Conference held on 28-30 May 1970. Com.B.T.Ranadive was elected as President and Com. P.Ramamurthy as General Secretary. Com. E.Balanandan was Vice-President and Com.M.K.Pandhe, Secretary.  More than 10 lakh workers participated in the rally held Brigade Ground Kolkata  in connection with the foundation Conference. This conference took the decision that it was completely difficult to continue in the All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC) since it has failed to follow the militant and correct path of trade union and has gone to the revisionist line as also all democratic traditions were broken to destroy any reasonable criticism.

AITUC was the first Central Trade Union in the country formed on 31st October 1920. It continued as the sole CTU in the country till INTUC was formed by the Congress just before India got Independence. Now there are mainly 12 CTUs in the country. Out of this, except BMS, all the other CTUs are in coordination to fight against the anti-worker policy of the central government. Since 1991 the trade unions have been organising sustained struggles  against the neo-liberal policies started by the Narasimha Rao Government. Independent Federations of Central – state government employees, PSUs etc. also have been joining the strikes. The first united country wide strike against neo-liberalisation policy was organised on 29th November 1991. Since then many strikes have taken place against the anti-worker policy of the central government, more and more unions joining the same.

CITU has become one of the most militant and worker oriented trade union in the country. It is affiliated to the World Federation of Trade Unions (WFTU). WFTU has now intervened in the anti-worker decisions of the central and some state governments in increasing the working hours misutilising the Covid period.

It is in this context that the 50th Foundation Day of CITU is approaching. The CITU HQ has called upon its units all over the country to organise Human Chain on the day, of course by keeping social distance as per the Covid 19 existing instructions.

UNITY AND STRUGGLE FOR PROGRESS!

 

Sustained Struggles to save BSNL -15 All India Protest day on 21st January 2008

24 Sunday May 2020

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All India Protest day on 21st January 2008

As per the call of the joint Forum, BSNL workers organized All India Protest Day on 21-01-2008 by wearing black badges and demonstrating in front of telephone exchanges and offices. Thousands of workers participated in these demonstrations giving a stern warning to the BSNL management of strike, if the demands raised by the JF are not settled.

Meeting with CMD on 23-01-2008

On the basis of the letter dated 23-01-2008 from the JF, the CMD BSNL Shri Kuldip Goyal called a meeting with the unions and discussed the following issues:
Immediate purchase of equipments, restoration of ADC to BSNL which was discontinued from 2008-09, early payment from USO Fund to BSNL, modernization and increasing of productivity of Telecom Factories, regular functioning of the Works Committees at SSAs, providing broadband connections without delay, increasing of market functions, eliminating wastage, strict action against corruption etc. The CMD agreed to take up the issues seriously. But no concrete decision was given.

Joint Forum calls for Indefinite Strike from 26-02-2008 against proposed disinvestment.
As per the decision of the JF, notice for indefinite strike w.e.f. 26th February 2008 was served on the BSNL Management and Secretary DOT on the following demands:

1. Drop disinvestment / IPO proposal of the government
2. Withdraw proposal for VRS in BSNL
3. Withdraw BSNL’s arbitrary order dated 15-06-2006 on pension contribution
4. Ensure uninterrupted supply of 2G and 3G equipments, additional 2G Spectrum as well as 3G Spectrum as agreed earlier
5. Ensure BSNL’s financial viability by continuing ADC, Reimbursement of Licence Fee and funds from USOF
6. Immediate grant of Navaratna status to BSNL
7. Immediate absorption of ITS Officers in BSNL.

The Strike Notice was signed by Comrades V.A.N.Namboodiri (BSNLEU), M.B.Vichare (NFTE BSNL), K.Vallinayagm (FNTO), G.L.Jogi (SNEA), K.Sathyanarayanan (AIBSNLEA), V.Subburaman (TEPU), V.Narayana (BSNLMS), S.P.Sharma (BSNLWRU), V.R.Venugopal (BTEU), A.D.Patil (AIBCTES), R.S.Yadav (ATM), Hari Singh (BTU) and Subhash Gaur (BSNLOA). Wide publicity was given to the demands and strike call through issue of pamphlets, wall posters, press statements etc. Full preparations were being made for the indefinite strike. (To be continued)

Birthday Greetings to Com. Pinarayi Vijayan, the vibrant Chief minister of Kerala!

24 Sunday May 2020

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Birthday Greetings to Com.Pinayayi Vijayan, Chief Minister and architect of New Kerala ! An uncompromising fighter for the downtrodden, he navigated the tumultuous period of last four years facing severe challenges like Nipah virus, floods, natural calamities and the present Corona pandemic. Whatever is assured by him, it is fully implemented. Words and deeds are inseparable.
Red Salute to Com.Pinarayi Vijayan on his 75th birth anniversary !

P and T Trade Union Movement in India during II World War and thereafter (1939 – 1954) ( by B.N.Ghosh ) CHAPTER – 3 STRENGTH AGAINST WAR ECONOMY (continued)

24 Sunday May 2020

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STRENGTH AGAINST WAR ECONOMY (continued)

On the 18th December 1942 Mr. Harold Schoobert the then Director General of Posts and Telegraphs invited all the Central Unions’ representatives in Calcutta to discuss various problems confronting the P and T workers. Dr.Noronha, Indian Telegraph Association, Mr. P.C.Chatterjee, All India Telegraph Union, Mr. K.M.Prabhu, Indian Posts and Telegraph Union, Mr. Bhupen Ghosh, All India Postal and RMS Union (authorized by Central Union), Mr. Rohini Roy, All India Postmen and Lower Grade Staff Union, Mr. D.N.Ganguli Administrative Office Union and others met the DG P and T in a round table conference. The internal political situation of the country had gone from bad to worse. All the Congress leaders including Mahatma Gandhi had been arrested on the night of 8-8-42 and put in jail and there was general uprising throughout the country on 9-8-42 known as the August Movement. Hundreds of Post Offices had been burnt and telegraph lines cut and in the East in the Assam border the Azad Hind Army was advancing. The anti-British feeling was intensely growing, rather it was at its height. In such situation Mr. Schoobert made an appeal to the Union leaders for co-operation and for rendering every assistance to the war efforts of the government. The P and T Department, he reminded plays an important role in war. The assurance of co-operation and help were given by all. The question relating to sanction of dearness allowance at the increased rates was the main item discussed in the conference. Dr. Noronha placed his suggestion for five rupees increment of dearness allowance for every 20% increase in cost of living index. His suggestion appeared to be a very reasonable one and based on scientific calculation. Ultimately this suggestion was also accepted by the Pay Commission. The conference urged for measures for protecting all P and T buildings and construction of shelters in all areas which were possible targets of bombing.

Mr. Prabhu’s presence in Calcutta gave me an opportunity of discussing afresh with him about the possibility of him and others in the I.P.T.U. specially belonging to Madras Presidency, coming back to the All India Postal and RMS Union which was the parent body. Mr. Prabhu replied that it was more or less a question of prestige and it would not be possible for them to come back; on the other hand, he raised the issue that even if the Postal and RMS members would come back to All India Postal and RMS Union what would happen to those belonging to Telegraph and Engineering arms of the services as I.P.T.U. was a combined union of both Post and Telegraph workers. He suggested that the All India Postal and RMS Union should change the name and constitution so that all the P and T workers could be accommodated in it. Many of the officials in Telegraph Engineering divisions in Uttar Pradesh and Linemen in Bengal had already been pressing the All India Postal and RMS Union to enroll them as members. During the war period many of the Postal signallers had gone on deputation to the Telegraph arm and they were influencing the Postal signallers to join as a whole the All India Telegraph Union. The Director General of Posts and Telegraphs however rejected the prayers of Postal signallers joining the Telegraph Union and the Engineering people and Linemen joining the Postal and RMS Union. The suggestion of Mr. Prabhu went in to my brain straight. I began, with all earnestness to create an atmosphere in favour of building one union for all P and T workers and took courage to propose that All India Postal and RMS Union should be dissolved and all in a body should join the I.P.T.U., but any how there was no response to this – so I concentrated all my energy to change the constitution of the All India Postal and RMS Union so that the Telegraph workers in general and members of the I.P.T.U. in particular, specially belonging to Madras Presidency may be induced to join the organization. In the whole of Northern India from N.W.F.P. to Assam the members of the I.P.T.Union were mostly Muslims but such was not the case with Madras.

It may be recalled that the All India Postal and RMS Conference held at Allahabad in 1935 had tried its best for full three days to bring about a settlement between the leaders of the two rival provincial unions of All India Postal and RMS Unions in Madras headed by Mr. Soma Sundaram Mudaliar and Mr. K.M.Prabhu. The conference gave a verdict that a fresh Provincial conference to be convened under the joint signature of Mr. Prabhu and Mr. Mudaliar at Mysore. The followers of Mr. Prabhu instead of joining the conference called at Mysore preferred to join the I.P.T.U. and formed a separate circle union. A section of members in I.P.T.U. in Madras later on had been feeling about the importance of reamalgamation of unions. The pressure from a section of Engineering and Linemen workers as has been stated above was already there. The Postmen and Lower Grade Staff Union advanced a new scheme for reamalgamation of their union with the All India Postal and RMS Union provided at the divisional level the funds were kept separate and secretary was a common man who should be an outsider to be helped by joint secretaries one from Class III and one from Postmen and Class IV. The movement inside the All India Postal and RMS Union for changing the name and constitution began to grow. Even the leadership of the All India Telegraph Union verbally supported the move and gave some sort of assurance that in case the All India Postal and RMS Union change its name and constitution they would consider the question of merger favourably. The war situation was gradually bringing all the P and T Unions closer. (To be continued )

Sustained Struggles to save BSNL -14 Dharna by BSNL workers on 11th October 2007

23 Saturday May 2020

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Dharna by BSNL workers on 11th October 2007

As per the call of the Joint Forum, massive dharnas were organized on 11th October 2007 in all SSAs protesting against undue delay in procuring GSM lines, Non-grant of Navaratna status to BSNL, absorption of ITS / Group A Officers in BSNL and pension issues.
In Delhi, the dharna was organized in front of the Corporate Office, Bharat Sanchar Bhawan, participated by hundreds of workers. Com.V.A.N.Namboodiri, Convener JF and GS BSNLEU, K.Vallinayagam, Thomas John (FNTO), M.B.Vichare (NFTE), Prahlad Rai (AIBSNLEA), A.A.Khan (SNEA), V.Subburaman (TEPU) and other leaders addressed. Thousands of workers participated in the dharna at Kolkata, Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Thiruvananthapuram, Chandigarh, Ahmedabad, Lucknow, Patna and other centres.

Protest against 20% IPO / Disinvestment in BSNL

Reacting to the proposal of 20% IPO/Disinvestment in BSNL by the government, Joint Forum immediately issued a Press Statement on 25-11-2007, opposing the same and cautioning the government that the workers will go on agitation, if any such move is acted upon.

Joint Forum meets Secretary DOT on 26th November 2007

Leaders of the Joint Forum met Shri D.S.Mathur, Secretary DOT on 26th November 2007 and discussed important issues like ITS absorption, Allotment of additional 2G Spectrum as well as 3G Spectrum, Grant of Navaratna status to BSNL, Opposition to 20% IPO /Disinvestment in BSNL and Bonus for DOT employees. Convener, JF and representatives of BSNLEU, SNEA, FNTO, AIBSNLEA, NFTE, BSNLMS, and TEPU participated.
Since the government was moving forward with the disinvestment / IPO proposal, the Joint Forum urgently met on 15th January 2008 and decided to organize agitational programmes against the same. It was decided to observe an All India Protest day on 21st January 2008 by wearing black badges and conducting demonstrations at Circle/District/Branch levels. (To be continued)

MEDICAL FACILITIES FOR CENTRAL GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AND PENSIONERS – JCM NC letter to Govt.

23 Saturday May 2020

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Shiva Gopal Mishra
Secretary

Ph: 23382286
National Council (Staff Side)
Joint Consultative Machinery
for Central Government Employees
13-C, Ferozshah Road, New Delhi – 110001
E-Mail: nc.jcm.np@gmail.com
No.NC-JCM-2020/Health Dated : May 20, 2020

The Secretary,
Government of India,
Ministry of Health & Family Welfare,
Nirman Bhawan,
New Delhi. llOOll

Dear Sir,

Sub: Health care facilities for the Central Government Employees and pensioners problems and difficulties During lockdown period – redressal regarding.

It has been brought to our notice by various Federations/organizations of Central Government employees and Pensioners that they face serious problems in accessing the healthcare-related facilities during the lockdown period throughout the country. As you are aware that since 24th March 2020, the whole country has been placed under lockdown to combat the spread of the pandemic COVID. I9. The employees and especially the pensioners are not allowed to stir out of their homes. In the case of employees, they are allowed to go only to the places where they are assigned specific jobs. This apart, the CGHS dispensaries themselves had been functioning with little staff and virtually they were open for namesake only. Neither the medicines were available nor the doctor. In the case of those employees, who are entitled for the benefit of CCS(MA) rules, the situation was much more precarious in as much as no private clinic was allowed to be open and the AMAs were not allowed the private practice. The Government hospitals in most of the cases had been declared as exclusive COVID 19 hospitals where other treatments are declared impermissible.

Initially everybody thought that the situation would be a passing phase and would improve once the pandemic spread is arrested. However, despite the lockdown and other measures, the spread of the disease had been on increase in many parts of the country, with the result the lockdown had to be extended to the fourth phase. In the situation in which we are placed, it is difficult to bring about normalcy in the near future. Perhaps till the anti-virus vaccine is developed or medicine to cure the disease is invented, the world will have to live with certain restrictions to contain the deadly nature of the disease. In the circumstances, we are afraid that the Government will have to think in terms of alternative methods of providing the health care facilities for the employees and pensioners keeping the present rules and regulations under suspension.

We, therefore, make the following suggestions to have hassle-free alternate arrangements till normalcy is restored or travel restrictions are eased.
When inpatient treatment becomes necessary:-

(i) CGHS beneficiaries(including pensioners): may be allowed to undergo treatment any private hospital near their residence. The cost of treatment will be reimbursed by the concerned department in the case of employees and CGHS in the case of pensioners The Govt. may direct all hospitals to provide treatment to all CGHEs and CG pensioners and they might be told that the rates stipulated by AIIMS Delhi must be the basis of billing. The hospitals may be asked to submit the bills to the concerned department/ Add!. Director, CGHS as the case may be for payment.
(ii) The treatment has to be based on the production of the CG HS card.
Non-CGHS patients:
(i) They may also avail the same facility as the CGHS beneficiaries. i.e.in any hospitals near their residence. Their admission will be based on the basis of a certificate of identity issued by the department in which he/she is employed.
Out-patient treatment
(i) Outpatient treatment for employees may be provided by the private hospitals on the basis of a predetermined rate of consultation.
(ii) The employees will submit the bills and get the cost reimbursed
Pensioners (outpatient treatment)
(i) In the case of pensioners who require outpatient treatment, they may be permitted to avail of either the CGHS facilities, if it is nearby their residence or in any private hospitals, which is near to their residence. Those who avail the private hospital facilities may submit their bills to the additional director pension for reimbursement.
The private hospitals tlu·oughout the country may be asked to provide the O.P. Treatment to CG employees and pensioners on the basis of predetermined consultation fees and stipulated charges for pathological tests.
We request you to kindly consider these suggestions and issue the necessary orders.

Yours faithfully,
sd/-
(Shiva Gopal Mishra)
Secretary

5G spectrum auctioning is not likely to be held in 2020.

23 Saturday May 2020

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There are a lot of expectations among Indians about the launching of the 5G service in India. However, as per media reports, 5 spectrum auctioning will not be held in 2020. It is understood that auctioning of 4G spectrum will be held this year and 5G spectrum auctioning is being deferred to 2021. The reasons behind this delay in the auctioning of 5G spectrum are as follows:-

The biggest reason for the delay is said to be the uncertainty, whether Huawei and ZTE will be allowed to deploy 5G networks in India.
Telecom Companies feel that the base price of Rs.492 crore per unit of 5G spectrum is very high.
There is uncertainty over the quantum 5G spectrum available for telecom companies, since Department of Space and Ministry of Defence are pressing for the allotment of more 5G spectrum to them.
Media reports also say that, Vodafone Idea and Airtel want 5G spectrum auctioning to be delayed, since both these companies are in financial trouble. (Courtesy: BSNLEU website)

Central trade unions’s protest demonstrations against attacks on working class by central and state governments.

22 Friday May 2020

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As per the call of the 10 central trade unions, dharna, demonstration etc. were held all over the country protesting against the draconian changes in the labour laws. The CTUs also demanded
immediate relief to stranded workers for ferrying them safely to their homes, food to be made available to all, ensure wages to all for entire lockdown period and cash transfer of Rs 7,500 to non-income tax paying households, including unorganized labour force for at least three months to June.

Independent federations in central, state governments, PSUs etc also participated in the programme.

Super Cyclon Amphan hits Bengal, Odisha – heavy casualties – 72 died – Urgent help needed.

22 Friday May 2020

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Super cyclone Amphan hit W.Bengal and Odisha and inflicted heavy casualties including 72 persons dead. Thousands of houses have collapsed, trees fallen and heavy damage. Communications dead in some areas. West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee said the devastation in Kolkata, the state capital, was “a bigger disaster than Covid-19”.

In Bangladesh about 2 million people have been evacuated. Heavy devastation also.

Immediate help is required to W.Bengal to restore normalcy and save the situation.