Trade Unions Protest against government’s move on wages of Contract Workers

12 Friday Jun 2015

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The Central Trade Unions have been strongly demanding for the last few years for equal wage and benefits for the contract workers just like regular workers. The NDA government had also moved in that direction. But now due to strong pressure from the employers and corporates, the government seem to be backtracking.

According to a survey about 55%in public sector and 45% in private sector jobs are got done by the contract workers. They are being exploited in wages as well as working conditions.

The Central Trade Unions have opposed the present move of the government and have warned that they will never agree to any such condition.

Struggles by Workers to Defend and Save BSNL : 2004 – 2015 – ( 9 )

12 Friday Jun 2015

Posted by in BSNL - Better Service to the Nation, BSNLEU, Forum

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2007

Indian Telegraph Act 1986 amended to favour private companies.

The government in a move to favour the private telecom companies amended the more than one century old Indian Telegraph Act 1986 by making mobile service also eligible for USO Fund, which will enable them to grab a major portion of the same, which was only paid to BSNL & MTNL earlier for landlines.

GSM Tender issue and Agitational programmes.

Telegram campaign on 26-04-2007 against Infrastructure sharing

The Joint Forum of Unions/Associations in BSNL & MTNL in its meeting held on 17-04-2007 decided to call  all the units to sent Telegrams to the Prime Minister on 26-04-2007 and hold demonstrations on 04-05-2007 against TRAI recommendations on infrastructure sharing of BSNL/MTNL. The telegram campaign was a big success with hundreds of telegrams reaching the Prime Minister. The dharna on 04-05-2007 was massively participated.

The one week relay Dharna from 12th to 18th June 2007

The relay dharna was massively participated.

Memorandum to the Communications Minister

A Joint Memorandum by  the Joint Forum of Unions/Associations in BSNL and MTNL was submitted to Shri A.Raja, Minister Communications, on the major issues like immediate tendering for mobile lines and improving the services of BSNL and MTNL. It also indicated that if the tender for 45.5 million lines, which was pending due to court cases filed by the private telecom companies like Motorola and which has been cleared by the court after 2 years should be immediately acted upon by issuing the Advance Purchasing Order (APO) and getting the mobile lines so that the immediate need of the expansion of about 60 million line capacity ( 45.5 million tender + 14.5 million reserve quota to ITI) could be done. It was reported in the press that the government was going to cancel the tender due to pressure from private companies. It was also mentioned that if the government purposely delay the purchase, the workers will be compelled to resort to direct action. The Memorandum was signed by V.A.N.Namboodiri (BSNLEU) & Convener Joint Forum, M.B.Vichare( NFTE), K.Vallinayagam(FNTO),G.L.Jogi( SNEA(I),Prahlad Rai(AIBSNLEA), V.Narayana( BSNLMS),S.V.S.Subrahmanyam( BTEU BSNL),Dhiraj Chaudhary( SNATTA), Satyavir Singh (MTNL MKU), Ram Prasad( MTNL KU),R.C.Chaddha( MTNL SC/ST TEWA),Inderdev Singh( MTNL MS) and S.P.Sharma(BSNLWRU).

The statement of the Communications Minister Shri A.Raja, as reported in the press, which is given below shows, how the government was trying to favour the private manufacturers and creating bottlenecks in the growth of BSNL

“I will not allow BSNL to purchase 45.5. million cellular lines at the rates quoted by the lowest bidder. The rates are too high. If BSNL goes ahead with the tender in the current form and award L-1, the APO will be paying close to Rs. 10,000 crore more unnecessarily.

“A delay was unavoidable in these circumstances. It is important to correct mistakes at any stage even it holds up development.

“It is surprising Motorola, one of the leaders in the world Telecommunication equipments and a firm that supplies 2G and 3G equipments to MTNL, can not qualify technically.”

This created a grave situation with regard to the development of the BSNL.

The agitational programmes

If the tender will be delayed or cancelled, it will cause loss of many thousands of crores of rupees to BSNL and it will be out of race in the mobile market. In fact, BSNL will become almost irrelevant in the mobile sector.

Sensing the deep crisis laden situation, the Joint Forum of BSNL Unions/Associations met and decided to bring the same to the government’s notice. Thousands of telegrams were sent to the Prime Minister and Communications Minister demanding immediate action. It was also decided to organize the following action programmes culminating in strike if suitable action is not taken by the Government.

Badge Wearing Demonstration in front of exchanges/offices on 5th July 2007 onwards

Massive Dharnas before offices/exchanges on 9th and 10th July 2007.

One Day Strike on 11th July 2007, which will be converted to Indefinite Strike if the issues are not settled.

Demonstrations were organized in front of offices on July 5, 2007 onwards and massive dharnas were conducted on 9th and 10th July. Notice had already been issued that if the issue was not settled before 10th July, the workers will go on Strike on 11th July 2007. The Strike Notice was signed by the following Unions/Associations:

V.A.N.Namboodiri(BSNLEU) Convener, M.B.Vichare(NFTE), K.Vallinayagam(FNTO), V.Narayana(BSNLMS), Prahlad Rai(AIBSNLEA), G.L.Jogi(SNEA(I), S.P.Sharma(BSNLWRU), S.V.S.Subrahmanyam(BTEU) and V.Subburaman(TEPU)

The Badge wearing, Demonstrations and Dharnas as decided by the Joint Forum were massively organized. The workers actively participated and were ready for any action to save BSNL.

BSNL Bank Account frozen for not remitting EPF in Ranchi, Jharkhand

11 Thursday Jun 2015

Posted by in BSNLCCWF - Casual and Contract workers, BSNLEU

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The EPF authorities has frozen the Bank Account of BSNL in Ranchi, Jharkhand, for not remitting the EPF dues of Rs. 3,47,43,928 (3.47 crore) to the contract workers. This is not the first time such thing has happened in Jharkhand. Despite clear instructions from the BSNL Corporate Office, many SSAs are ignoring the same, thus violating the EPF Act, passed by the Parliament. This is not only a violation of the labour law of the country, but such officers are bringing shame to the BSNL itself.

BSNLCCWF has taken such cases  with the the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Labour as also the  Central EPF Commissioner. Both have criticised the BSNL management. Consequently BSNL Management has given clear instructions to field officers. Still the violation continues and BSNL accounts are frozen.

BSNLCCWF units are requested to complain to the EPF authorities, wherever, the EPF is not implemented or the dues are not paid.

We congratulate the Jharkhand Circle leaders of both BSNLCCWF and BSNLEU  for their active interest and intervention in the matter.

60: 40 issue connected with Pension payment of BSNL Retirees

11 Thursday Jun 2015

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As per an RTI received, the pension payment of BSNL retirees was less than 60% of  the various payments like dividend, tax etc.paid by BSNL to DOT till the financial year 2009-2010. From 2010-11 onwards, the pensions payment is more than 60% of the payments made by BSNL.

This is one of the reasons why the DOT was delaying the preparation of the Cabinet note on 78.2% IDA  pension fixation. However, now the cabinet note is prepared and is being forwarded to the nodal departments for approval, after which the same will be submitted to Cabinet.

 

 

Trade Unions (PAME) occupy Ministry of Finance in Greece

11 Thursday Jun 2015

Posted by in TU News - International, WFTU

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Athens, June 11, 2015 PRESS RELEASE

This moment, workers from dozens of trade unions of both the private and the public sector that rally with PAME, have occupied the Ministry of Finance of Greece, where they have raised a giant banner at the front of the building with the slogan “Enough blood we have shed! Enough we have paid! People, take the situation in your own hands! Block the new measures and the long lasting memorandums!” Already, more than 700 trade union and peoples’ organisations have called for participation to the demonstrations of PAME, today afternoon all over Greece. We call the workers, the youth, the women, the pensioners to massively take part to the demonstrations.

Congratulations to Workers in Greece for the bold action.

Rs. 6,000 crore loan for Sugar Mills – Even sanctioned funds not paid to BSNL

11 Thursday Jun 2015

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It is known to every body that PSUs are not a priority to the central government. It is more worried about the private enterprises than its own companies.

Today’s press reports state that the NDA government is allotting Rs. 6,000 crore loan to Sugar Mills to clear dues to the farmers. We are not against the same, since it may benefit the farmers also in addition to the sugar barons.

But what about the amount of Rs. 1,250 crores already allotted to BSNL from USOF towards losses sustained by providing services in rural areas as per the policy of the government for the year 2012-13. Why not it is being paid, when  BSNL is in difficulty to purchase equipment due to lack of funds?

Why not refund the BWA Spectrum Charges coming to about Rs. 6,000 Crores after surrender of the spectrum to government by BSNL three years back? Even if Rs. 2,000 crore has been adjusted towards payment of licence fee as claimed by the government, why not the balance Rs. 4,000 crore paid?

The central government should immediately act and pay BSNL its due with out any further delay.

 

BSNL Comrade, What did you do to improve BSNL in the last 3 days?

11 Thursday Jun 2015

Posted by in BSNL - Better Service to the Nation, BSNLEU, Forum

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The Forum of BSNL Unions/Associations has given a one month campaign of SAVE BSNL from 8th June 2015, by utilisng the “09.00 PM to 07.00 AM Free Call Scheme” and the “Free Roaming Scheme” introduced by BSNL. The CMD BSNL has also agreed to fully co-operate with the programme of the Forum. The Forum has listed the activities, propaganda, work etc. that have to be carried out during this period to improve services, improve relations with customers, clearance of early faults, procurement of equipment etc.

Out of this  month campaign, already, three days are over. I hope that the campaign has already started in right earnest. It is in this context that each BSNL employee should review what he has done for the campaign.

Time lost is never recovered. History does not pardon anybody who missed the opportunity. Here is an opportunity to save BSNL. Every body has to be part of this big campaign. Wake up and act! Excuses do not take anybody anywhere.

Struggles by Workers to Defend and Save BSNL : 2004 – 2015 – ( 8 )

11 Thursday Jun 2015

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Meeting with CMD BSNL on 22nd July 2006

In the backdrop of the notice given by the Joint Forum for agitational programme, a meeting was held under the chairmanship of Shri A.K.Sinha, CMD BSNL on 22-07-2006. The gist of the official minutes released is given below:

No Disinvestment of BSNL/MTNL: The JF strongly opposed to the proposal of IPO worth 10% of paid up capital over and above the existing shares, which is only leading to privatization. CMD stated that there is no requirement of funds at present and that there is no substance in the apprehension.

No Unbundling of local loop: Though a committee under the Chairmanship of Secretary DOT has been formed, no decision has been taken. The committee will look in to all options. Minister’s assurance also is there.

No sharing of infrastructure: The Unions strongly opposed the move to share infrastructure of the BSNL with private companies.

No Increase in FDI:  Unions strongly opposed any increase in FDI. The CMD stated that the issue is dealt with at the highest level.

No reduction in revenue sharing, immediate grant of Navaratna Status to BSNL, Grant of Autonomy to BSNL, Expansion of mobile and broadband services and amicable settlement of ITS absorption issues were also discussed.

Demonstrations on 27-07-2006

The Demonstrations on 27th July 2006 was successfully organized and telegrams sent to the Prime Minister as decided.

Historic Parliament March on 3rd August 2006.

The March to Parliament on 3rd August 2006 was participated by more than twelve thousand workers of BSNL and MTNL.  The mobilization was mainly from MTNL Delhi and BSNL from nearby circles. The workers led by the JF leaders started from the CTO (Eastern Court) premises and marched via Jantar Mantar . The march was stopped by the police at the Parliament Street, where a massive rally was held. Coms. Sitaram Yechuri, M.P., Basudev Acharya, M.P., Tapan Sen, M.P. and Roop Chand Pal, M.P. addressed the rally and gave all support to the demands raised by the Joint Forum. Com.V.A.N.Namboodiri, GS BSNLEU & Convener JF and General Secretaries of the unions/associations addressed the March.

This was the biggest participation of the telecom workers opposing the neo-labour policies of the government after the formation of BSNL and MTNL.

Pension issue – Meeting with Secretary DOT on 06-09-2006

The leaders of the Joint Forum of BSNL/MTNL Associations met Shri D.S.Mathur, Secretary, DOT and chairman, Telecom Commission, on 6th September 2006 and discussed following:

1.Pension issue: The unions brought to the notice of the Secretary, DOT about the latest orders of DOT directing BSNL to pay the pension of BSNL employees , if it exceeds more than 60% of the payments by the BSNL & MTNL to DOT including dividend, licence fee, corporate tax etc. which is in utter violation of Rule 37-A and earlier orders of DOT that the pension will be paid by the Government. Secretary DOT assured that the matter will be re-examined.

  1. CGEGIS Refund: Secretary DOT assured that the files are already with the Finance Ministry and he will speak to Secretary Finance for speeding up the payment.
  2. DOT Secretary also assured that the meeting of the BSNL and DOT officers will be held shortly to discuss about the issues referred by BSNL to DOT which were raised by the unions in their meeting with DOT on 7th August 2006.

The Joint Forum met the CMD BSNL Shri A.K.Sinha on 06-09-2006 and strongly opposed the proposal for sharing of BSNL infrastructure with private operators.

Gujarat Model – Prices of School Books doubled!

10 Wednesday Jun 2015

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We do not know about how much development is taking place in Gujarat as per the widely acclaimed Gujarat Model.

But one report has come. All the books to be used from class I to Class VI has been doubled or more than doubled. When the poor students are not even able to purchase with the present price, how can they purchase with the doubled price. See how much the prices have increased:

” For standard one, the price of a set of textbooks has gone up from Rs. 61 last year, to Rs. 158 this year.  Standard two students will have to pay Rs.131 instead of Rs. 61, books for third standard are priced at Rs. 185 compared to Rs. 78 last year. The price for fourth standard books are pegged at Rs. 199 which was Rs. 111 last year, and for fifth standard, the cost of books have gone up from Rs. 71 last year to Rs. 170 this year.”

So, this is the Gujarat Model! Robbing the poor students and keep them away from the school! Wonderful Gujarat Model Shri Modi! (Courtesy : Ganashakti)

CPI(M) Donates Rs. 3.25 Crore to Nepal Relief Fund

10 Wednesday Jun 2015

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Kathmandu, Jun 10 : CPI(M) General Secretary Com. Sitaram Yechury  donated Rs 3 crore 25 lakh to Nepal Prime Minister’s Disaster Relief Fund after collecting the money from Indian people to help the quake-hit nation.

Yechuri, who arrived in Nepal yesterday on a two-day private visit, handed over a cheque of Rupees 3.25 crore equivalent to over Nepali Rupees 5.20 crore to Prime Minister Shri Sushil Koirala at his official residence at Baluwatar.

Yechury said he had collected the money from the people of India at the grass-roots level for providing relief to the earthquake-affected people of Nepal.