All India Co-Ordination Committee of PSUs calls for complete Strike on 2nd September 2015

22 Monday Jun 2015

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The meeting of the All India Co-Ordination Committee of Public Sector Trade Unions (CITU), held at Hyderabad on 22nd June 2015 has called upon the entire PSU workers, including contract workers, to organise and make the One Day Strike called by the Central Trade Unions a big success.

The meeting was held at Com. Sunderayya Vignan Kendra, at Hyderabad. !52 delegates from 46 unions participated. From BSNLEU and BSNL Casual and Contract Workers Federation, Coms. V.A.N.Namboodiri, Swapan Chakraborty, J.Sampath Rao, Mohan Redyy, Taranath and Paripoornachari participated.

Meeting was presided by Com. Vishnu Mohanty, CITU Vice-President. Com. Tapan Sen, General secretary, CITU, inaugurated the convention. Com. Swadesh Dev Roy, Convener, Co-Ordination Committee, presented the report and reported the latest developments. More than 25 comrades participated in the discussion. Com. V.A.N.Namboodiri and Com. Swapan Chakraborty addressed on behalf of BSNLCCWF and BSNLEU respectively.

The Convention unanimously decided to make massive campaign amongst the workers about the anti-worker policies of the government. The policy of the government to close or privatise all the PSUs has to be resisted and defeated. The exploitation of the casual and contract workers have to be opposed and justice meted out to them. The immediate task is to campaign to make the strike a complete success. State level conventions should be organised. Without struggle, negotiations will not be successful. The report presented by the Convener was unanimously adopted. It was also suggested that a meeting of the CPSTU be held in preparation of the strike.

The meeting of the Co-ordination Committee and the discussions and decisions have enthused the delegates. All are determined to make the strike a big success.

 

Struggles by Workers to Defend and Save BSNL : 2004 – 2015 – ( 14 )

22 Monday Jun 2015

Posted by in BSNL - Better Service to the Nation

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2009

ITS Absorption Issue

The non-absorption of the ITS officers in BSNL was one of the major issues connected with the functioning of BSNL.  The meeting of the Joint Forum held on 12th February 2009 decided to organize agitational programmes to pressurise the government  to immediately absorb the ITS officers in BSNL

  1. Black day wearing Black Badges and demonstrations in SSA/Circle/C.O. on 24th February 2009.
  2. Day long Dharan at all levels on 17th March 2009.
  3. One Day strike on 25th March 2009.

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One Day Strike on 25th March 2009

The strike notice was served on the CMD BSNL signed by Coms. V.A.N.Namboodiri(BSNLEU), Convener, G.L.Jogi(SNEA(I), Prahlad Rai(AIBSNLEA), Suresh Kumar(BSNLMS), (AIBCTES), Hari Singh(BTU), (BSNLATM), V.R.Venugopal, V.Subburaman(TEPU) and R.P.Sharma(BSNLOA).

The Black Day on 24th February 2009 was effectively organized.  The workers were ready for further actions.

Discussion with CMD on 16th March 2009 – Strike on 25th March deferred.

The CMD called the JF leaders for discussion on 16th March. The JF strongly demanded that the ITS absorption issue should be settled immediately. After detailed discussion, the CMD agreed to initiate recruitment of middle level management officers and assured that the process of absorption of Group A (ITS) officers will be settled by December 2009. Minutes were also issued. In view of the assurances, the JF met and decided to defer the dharna programme and the one day strike.

Strong Protest against increase FDI in telecom:

The Joint Forum in its meeting held on 08-06-2009 adopted a resolution strongly protesting against the government guidelines increasing FDI in Telecom, Insurance, defence sector etc. and demanding scrapping of the same. This was forwarded  to the government.

Anti-Disinvestment / IPO agitation:

During the period the government was moving for disinvestment of BSNL through IPO route. The JF met on 8th June 2009 and decided to organise protest action against the same. A strong resolution against  IPO/Disinvestment was adopted.

Telegrams to Prime Minister

An “Anti- Disinvestment Day” was organized on 22-07-2009 by holding rallies and sending telegrams by all the SSAs and circle to the Prime Minister and Communications Minister. Tens of thousands of messages were sent. A meeting with the CMD was held on 16-07-2009 in which the absorption of ITS, opposition to IPO/Disinvestment and about other issues were discussed. (To be continued)

Country wide Campaign against anti-people policies of central government from 1st to 14th August 2015 – CPI(M)

21 Sunday Jun 2015

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The Central Committee of CPI(M) in its meeting held on June 6 & 7, 2015 had given a call to conduct a fortnight long countrywide campaign from August 1 to 14, 2015.

Apart from taking up the issues of agrarian distress and the concrete demands connected with it in each state, the campaign will also demand implementation of the statutory 100 days work under the MNREGA scheme with sufficient allocation of funds from the centre; strengthening of the public distribution system and ensuring full coverage under the Food Security Act.

The Party will also during the fortnight long campaign support the campaign against the land acquisition amendment Bill/ordinance as also mobilize support for the all India general strike call of the central trade unions on September 2.

Workers Protest Against Austerity Measures in UK

21 Sunday Jun 2015

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London, Jun 20 Thousands of people today marched across the UK to protest against the newly re-elected Conservative government’s policy of public spending cuts.

The biggest demonstration was held in London, where a rally outside the Bank of England marched towards the Houses of Parliament.

Union leaders and British celebrities including singer Charlotte Church and actor Russell Brand addressed crowds.

Protests also took place in the cities of Liverpool and Glasgow against the David Cameron led government’s austerity measures which it claims are vital to cut the country’s deficit.

The London protest was organised by protest group the People’s Assembly, while the rally in the Scottish capital of Glasgow was organised by Scotland United Against Austerity.

The rallies were marked by the banging of drums and sound of cheers resounding around the heart of London’s financial district.

Some of the placards read: ‘A living wage for Mothers’ and ‘We’re mad as hell and we’re not taking it any more’. (Courtesy: PTI)

 

India – Bangladesh Railway Line

21 Sunday Jun 2015

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The Governments of India and Bangladesh have come to agreement for a Railway line between Agartala(India) and Gangasagar(Bangladesh). The NITI Ayog has decided to implement the railline without delay. It is stated that the line will be completed by 2017.

It is a good effort which will further help co-ordination between the two friendly neighbor countries.

 

 

Struggles by Workers to Defend and Save BSNL : 2004 – 2015 – ( 13 )

21 Sunday Jun 2015

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Protest against abolition of ADC – Demonstration on 03-04-2008

The TRAI has been reducing the ADC, which is to be collected from the private telecom companies and  to be given to BSNL for loss making village connections as per the assurance of the government at the time of corporatization, year after year and the same was completely stopped from 01-04-2008 on the pressure from the private operators. This will seriously and adversely affect the financial viability of BSNL. Hence the Joint Forum strongly protested the TRAI decision and organized protest demonstration on 3rd April 2008 all over India, demanding restoration of ADC.

Merger of 50% with Pay – IDA Lunch Hour demonstrations on 13-05-2008

Even after  the IDA crossed 50%, the same was not merged with pay as required. As per the call of the Joint Forum, Lunch Hour demonstrations were held on 13-05-2008 in all SSAs/Circles/Corporate Office demanding immediate merger of IDA.

Meeting with Secretary DOT on 22-05-2008

The Joint Forum leaders met Secretary DoT, Shri Sidharth Behura on 22-05-2008 and discussed the following issues:

  1. ITS Absorption: The delay in absorption was mentioned by the Joint Forum leaders. Secretary, DOT replied that the Cabinet Note has been returned with some queries. The matter will be seriously pursued.
  2. BSNL’s Pension Contribution (60%-40% issue): DoT agreed with the Joint Forum that such conditions are not necessary. He stated that a Cabinet Note on the same is approved by the Minister and will be submitted to the cabinet.
  3. Restoration of ADC: Secretary DOT stated that DOT is taking action for changing the guide lines of the USO Fund to give financial assistance to BSNL to the tune of Rs. 2,000 crore per annum, as has been recommended by TRAI, in lieu of ADC.
  4. Navaratna Status to BSNL: The JF leaders expressed their concerns in the delay in awarding Navaratna status to BSNL. Secretary DOT stated that DPE has already recommended and the issue is waiting for the final decision of the apex body.
  5. Allotment of 3G Spectrum to BSNL: Joint Forum demanded that BSNL should be allotted 3G Spectrum on priority basis as has already been issued by the Communications Minister. Secretary DOT stated that as per the assurance, BSNL will be allotted with one slot in the 3G spectrum.
  6. Delay in 50% IDA Merger: The JF leaders drew the attention of the secretary DOT to the undue delay in issuing the orders on the IDA merger by BSNL even after the approval by DOT. Secretary DOT assured that he will speak to CMD BSNL.

Meeting with CMD BSNL on 27-05-2008 on future of BSNL

Com. V.A.N.Namboodiri, Convener, JF along with representatives of 13 unions / associations in BSNL met CMD BSNL, Shri Kuldeep Goyal on 27-05-2008.

At the outset, the Convener expressed JF’s grave concern over  the undue delay in the supply of GSM equipments, due to which BSNL is unable to provide new connections and also the quality of services of the BSNL is sharply coming down. Market Share of BSNL has sharply declined from 47.69% as on 31-03-2005 to 24.74 as on 31-03-2008. Immediate purchase of GSM equipment is required.

3 Days Dharna from 28-05-1008 demanding 50% Merger of IDA  from 01-01-2007

The Central government issued orders for merger of 50% DA to its employees from 01-04-2004. The merger of CPSUs were decided by the government w.e.f. 01-01-2007. Despite this decision, the BSNL management did not issue the orders. A lunch hour demonstration was held on 13-05-2008 as per the call of the Joint Forum demanding immediate orders. The management wanted the unions to agree for 10% disinvestment, VRS, delay in wage negotiation, Promotion Policy etc. which were completely unjust and unfair. The meeting of the Joint Forum with the CMD BSNL on 27-05-2008 could not settle the issue. Hence the JF decided to organize Dharna on 28-05-2008 at all SSAs/Circle/C.O.

The Dharna was well participated and gave a strong message to the management that the workers will not surrender their rights or cow down before threats.

In Delhi in front of the Corporate Office, more than 500 comrades participated, which was inaugurated on 28-05-2008, by Com. Basudeb Acharya, Member of Parliament and senior CPI(M) leader. It was addressed by all the leaders of the union including Convener, JF, Com. V.A.N.Namboodiri.

Meeting with Minister on 29-05-2008

The Communications Minister Shri A.Raja called the Joint Forum for discussion, in which he directed the BSNL Management to issue orders on the IDA merger. BSNL issued the orders on the same day. Hence the dharna was deferred. The joint struggle of the workers has won on the spot.

Demonstrations against VRS and disinvestment proposal of BSNL, as also for grant of Navaratna status for 50% Merger of DA, 5 promotions etc. on 2nd June 2008.

Meeting was held with Secretary, DOT on 22-05-2008, in which the issue of restoration of ADC, Absorption of ITS in BSNL, Navaratna status for BSNL, allotment of 3G Spectrum to BSNL, fresh tender of 45.5 million and 93 million tender for mobile equipment were raised. Though some assurances were issued, the government was going on with its agenda.

As such, the joint Forum in its meeting on 31-05-2008 decided to organize demonstrations on 02-06-2008 and wearing of black badges while in the office.

Demonstration and Black Badge wearing on 02-06-2008

The programme was organized successfully. The call had its impact.

Demonstration against merger ITI with BSNL on 29-07-2008.

In between, the government was proposing merger of ITI with BSNL. As per decision of Joint Forum, massive demonstrations were organised at SSA/Circle/C.O. on 29-07-2008 against the merger since, ITI was loss making, it was a manufacturing PSU while BSNL is a service provider etc. (12,500 employees in ITI, where even the payment of salary was in difficulty). Convener JF met the ITI leaders and convinced the ITI unions our stand on opposing the merger. JF sent a detailed letter on our opposition to the merger to the Communications Minister on 16-07-2008.

The Joint Forum strongly opposed the purchase hundreds of vehicles for ITS officers, when the company was facing financial crunch. It exposed the unnecessary expenditure from the meager finance of BSNL.

Since the ITS absorption was being delayed, the joint Forum demanded repatriation of BSNL executives and non-executives back to DOT through a letter to the Secretary DOT on 17-09-2008. The JF also demanded that immediate action should be taken to finalise the 95 million mobile tender.(To be continued)

BSNLCCWF writes to ALC(C) Allahabad on labour issues

20 Saturday Jun 2015

Posted by in BSNLCCWF - Casual and Contract workers

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BSNLCCWF/UP(E)                                                                                                       20th June  2015

To

The Asst. Labour Commissioner (Central), Allahabad,

189-A/4, Alopi Bagh, Allahabad (UP)

Sub: Complaint about non-payment of minimum Wage, non-implementation of EPF etc. to casual/contract workers engaged by BSNL in UP Circle.

Ref: Your letter No. A-7(01)/2014 dated 15-06-2015 addressed to GM BSNL Allahabad/Varanasi/Basti/Deoria/Gorakhpur with copy to Sri V.A.N.Namboodiri, President, BSNLCCWF.

Sir,

I am much thankful for the action being taken by the ALC(C), Allahabad on the complaint addressed to the Hon’ble Prime Minister by me. In this connection, I would like to kindly place before you the following for immediate action in the matter.

You have been kind enough to address the GMs BSNL, Allahabad, Varanasi, Basti, Deoria and Gorakhpur asking them to pay the minimum wage and implementation of the connected labour laws. Neither the minimum wage is being paid to the BSNL contract workers, nor EPF, ESI are implemented. It is the same case with the other SSAs in the Circle including Pratapghar, Mirjapur, Jaunpur, Balia, Rae-Bareilly and Sultanpur.

I would request you to kindly direct these GMs also to implement the minimum wage and other connected labour laws.

Thanking You,

Yours Faithfully,

 

V.A.N.Namboodiri

President, BSNLCCWF Mob: 9868231431

 

Relentless war on wage slavery should continue

20 Saturday Jun 2015

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“All official and liberal science defends wage-slavery, whereas Marxism has declared relentless war on that slavery.”
(Lenin, The Three Sources and Three Component Parts of Marxism (1913)
The BSNL Casual Contract workers are brutally exploited. In fact, in many places. it is almost wage slavery. Not even one third of the eligible minimum wage is paid. They are compelled to work 10 to 12 hours or more for the pittance. The contractors and in some places the local managements connive together to deny the due minimum wage and pocket the balance.
This should change. The casual and contract workers should get what is their due. There can not be any compromise in the matter.
Sustained struggle is the only way if the contractor/management violates the law of the land and deny minimum wage, EPF etc.

UK Tata Steel Workers may defer their strike

20 Saturday Jun 2015

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It is reported that the UK  TATA Steel Workers may defer the proposed strike in view of the discussions held between the unions and the management and the proposed settlement. However, since, strike ballot has been taken and the vast majority supported the strike, another ballot may be required for deferring the strike considering the discussion and proposed settlement.