21 Tuesday Jan 2014
Posted in Obituary, Tributes
21st January 2014 is the 90th death anniversary of Comrade Vladimir Ilyich Lenin, who was the leader of the October Revolution in Russia which brought a new era defeating imperialist Zcar and forming the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) in 1919.
On his death anniversary my respectful homage and Red Salute to the memory of Comrade Lenin!
21 Tuesday Jan 2014
The BSNL Casual and Contract Workers Federation (BSNLCCWF) in its CEC Meeting has finalised a Charter of Demands and also chalked out agitational programmes for achieving the demands. The same is given below:Bhubaneswar CEC calls for sustained struggles against Exploitation and for settlement of Long Pending Demands. The details are given below:
The Central Executive Committee meeting of BSNL Casual & Contract Workers Federation (BSNLCCWF) held at Bhubaneswar on 18-19 January, 2014 has called upon the workers to prepare for sustained struggles against brutal exploitation of Casual & Contract Workers and for achievement of long pending demands. It has also called upon the workers to observe 2014 as the “Casual & Contract Workers Year” – by organizing massive campaign and wide publicity to the fully justified demands of the brutally exploited workers.
The CEC was held at the BSNL RTTC Seminar Hall. Accommodation was arranged at nearby BSNL Quarters. All comrades appreciated the arrangements made for holding the CEC by the Reception Committee headed by Coms. Janardan Pati (CITU), Sahdeb Biswal (Circle Secretary, BSNL CCWF), P.R. Das (Circle Secretary, BSNLEU) and other leaders and workers.
Flag Hoisting
The CEC started with hoisting of the union flag by Com. V.A.N. Namboodiri, President, BSNL CCWF at about 0930 hrs. on 18th January, 2014.
Homage at Martyrs Column
All the comrades paid homage and tributes at the Martyrs column led by Com. Janardhan Pati, Chairman Reception Committee and V.A.N. Namboodiri, President.
Inaugural Session
The CEC meeting started at about 1100 hrs. Com. V.A.N. Namboodiri presided. Com. Janardhan Pati, Reception Committee, Chairman and President CITU Odisha in his inaugural speech welcomed all participants who have come from all parts of the country and mentioned about the rich history of struggles waged by the people of Odisha since last 2500 years. But now, Odisha is the poorest state in the country as per the report of Raghuram Rajan Committee.
He mentioned about the blatant corruption in telecom sector by government and Corporates, including the 2G scam. Both are interested in disinvesting and privatizing BSNL. Unemployment has become a worldwide phenomen and corruption has become rampant.
It was only through prolonged and sustained struggles the people of Odisha was able to stop privatization of the PSU, NALCO. Our natural resources are being handed over to corporates as in the case of POSCO. He called upon the workers to continue the struggle for achievement of their demands.
Com. V.A.N. Namboodiri, President, BSNL CCWF in his presidential speech, appreciated the Reception Committee for the excellent arrangements for CEC. He congratulated the people of Odisha for their continued struggle against privatization and success.
Com. Namboodiri narrated the developments which resulted in the formation of BSNL CCWF and the struggles organized by it during the last few years which have improved the condition of BSNL Casual and Contract Workers. All efforts were made and all platforms utilized to get the minimum wage, social security measures like EPF, ESI etc. implemented. But, despite, clear orders, these are still not being implemented in many SSAs.
The President mentioned about the agitations continuing in Jamshedpur, Hazaribad, Belgaum, Hissar etc. on demands and against victimization including retrenchment.
He explained some of the demands like regularization of casual labour and stated that this CEC has to discuss both organizational matters as also the demands and chalk out our future programme.
Com. P.R. Das, Circle Secretary, BSNLEU, Odisha Circle greeted the CEC and spoke about how BSNL CCWF was organized in Odisha and its growth.
The inaugural session ended with vote of thanks by com. Sahadeb Biswal, Convenor, Reception Committee.
CEC meeting
The Subject Committee stared by about 1230 hrs. with Com. V.A.N. Namboodiri in the chair. The agenda notified earlier was read out and approved by the house.
Report by Secretary General
The Report of activities during the period since the last CEC meeting held at Hazaribad, Jharkhand, was presented by the Secretary General, BSNLCCWF, Com. Tapas Ghosh. It touched upon the International and National Scenario, the Working Class agitations, the demands of BSNL CC workers and also organizational activities conducted during the period.
Subjects Committee
Com. Tapas Banerjee, All India Treasurer, presented the accounts of the Federation for 2012 and 2013. Coms. Pradeep Sharma (Assam), Com. Vinod Kumar (Tamil Nadu), R.K. Borghain (NE-II), Surinder Singh (Punjab), Sudama Pal (Jharkhand), N.R. Somasekharan Nair (Kerala), Arup Sarkar (Kolkata), Akhilesh Banerjee (West Bengal), Jeet Lal Mourya (UP), Cheluvaraju (Karnataka), C. Kumar (Tamil Nadu), N. Suresh (Kerala), Santosh Kumar (UPE), Sahdev Biswal (Odisha), M.B. Singh (NE-II), A. Dhupal (Odisha), Kapurchand Bag (Odisha) Geetanjali Swain (Odisha) and K.R. Yadav (UPE) and other comrades participated in the discussion.
Com. Tapas Kumar Ghosh, Secretary General, spoke in detail and explained the points raised by the speakers. He also reported about the progress made on the issues. He proposed that sustained struggles are necessary to achieve the demands.
After the speech by SG, the Report and Accounts were adopted unanimously.
The following decisions were taken after detailed discussion.
(1) The CEC unanimous by adopted the following resolution on the Charter of Demands and Action Programme.
Resolution on Demands and Action Programme.
This Central Executive Committee of BSNL Casual and Contract Workers Federation held at Bhubaneswar on 18-19 January 2014 expresses its deep anguish as also strong protest at the undue delay in regularisation of the left-out casual labours/contract workers, non-implementation of the labour laws with regard to the payment of minimum wages and social security measures etc. for the contract workers. It strongly opposes victimisation/retrenchment of the contract workers for their genuine trade union activities. Instead of implementing the government/BSNL Corporate office orders on the above, they are being completely dishonoured by the contractors and field level officers of the BSNL Management. The casual, contract workers engaged in BSNL are inhumanly exploited. Despite many representations, discussions and agitations, the situation continues more or less the same. This Central Executive Committee held at Bhubaneswar after serious discussion feels that the present unhappy situation can not continue and that serious agitational programme are required to achieve the minimum basic demands of the casual, contract workers. It, therefore, resolves to organise the following agitational programmes on the fully justified and long pending demands of the workers:
Action Programme
1. Demonstration in front of SSA office on 26th February, 2014.
2. Dharna in front of SSA office on 26th March, 2014.
3. March to CGM office on 23rd April 2014.
4. March to CMD BSNL Office (date will be fixed later).
5. One Day Strike (date will be fixed later).
Demands
1) Regularisation of Left-out Casual labours and Contract workers.
2) Casual labour wage to be the same as the lowest wage in BSNL, instead of that of DOT.
3) Minimum Wage as per Government Orders to be implemented to the contract workers, including higher wages for semi-skilled, skilled and highly skilled and as per A,B and C class cities. Wages to be paid through account/cheque in time. Even if contractor changes, the same workers should continue.
4) Implementation of Social Security measures like EPF, ESI, Gratuity, Bonus.
5) HRA / Quarters to be allotted to casual contract workers.
6) EPF Account to be opened by the Principal Employer instead of by contractor.
7) Issue of Identity Cards by BSNL Management.
8) BSNL Management should take necessary steps to improve the services by procuring sufficient equipment to enable expansion and development.
9) Equal Pay for Equal work for contract workers.
10) Vacate Victimisation- Reinstate all the retrenched workers.
11) Recognise BSNL Casual and Contract Workers Federation.
The CEC calls upon all the units of the BSNLCCWF to organise the programme effectively and successfully with massive participation.
The CEC also demands the BSNL Management to come forward to discuss the issues raised by the Federation and settle the same.
(2) The CEC decided that 2014 will be observed as “BSNL Casual & Contract Workers Year”. Maximum propaganda and all efforts will be made to settle the issue of Casual/Contract Workers.
It was also decided to approach all Central Trade Unions, Federations of Central/State Govt. Employees, PSU Unions, all Unions/Associations in BSNL etc. for solidarity and support in the action programmes.
(3) A resolution to participate in all the programmes of the 11 Central Trade Unions on the 10 points charter was adopted.
Resolution for Participation in the Action Programmes of the Central Trade Unions.
The Central Executive Committee Meeting of the BSNLCCWF held at Bhubaneswar on 18-19 January, 2014 expresses its full support and solidarity to the programmes adopted by the Central Trade Unions on the 10 Point demands opposing steep price rise, anti-workers decisions of the government as also demanding minimum wage of Rs.10,000/- to unorganised workers etc. BSNLCCWF had participated in all the programmes organised by the CTUs including the 48 Hours Strike on 20-21 February, 2013 and the Massive Parliament March held on 12th December, 2013.
This CEC meeting held at Bhubaneswar declares that this organisation will continue to participate in all the programmes being organised on the common demands of the people and the toiling masses by the Central Trade Unions.
(4) The CEC accepted the invitation of Tamil Nadu Circle to hold the next All India Conference in Tamil Nadu.
(5) An appeal was made to financially help the ailing Circle Secretary of UP (East) Com. S.P. Tiwari.
Com. V.A.N. Namboodiri, President in his concluding speech thanked all for taking important decisions for strengthening the organisation and action programmes for settlement of issues. He called upon the workers to actively implement the same. He called upon the regular workers to fully support the genuine demands of Casual & Contract Workers.
The house unanimously adopted a resolution expressing thanks to the Reception Committee for the excellent arrangements.
Procession
A well attended procession was organized which walked through the main roads of the city and reached the CTO Office where the open session was held.
Open Session
The well attended open session held near CTO was presided by Com. V.A.N. Namboodiri, All India President. Com. Janardan Pati, President, CITU Odisha inaugurated. Com. Tapas Ghosh, SG, BSNL CCWF, Mohin Samal, Convener, Confederation of CG Employees & Workers, P.R. Das, CS, BSNLEU and Suresh Panigrahi, Vice-President, BSNL CCWF and CITU addressed. Com. Sahdeb Biswal, CS, BSNL CCWF and Convener, Reception Committee welcomed and proposed vote of thanks.
The Odisha CEC was a very fruitful experience which has taken important decisions to strengthen the organisation and formulated action programmes for achieving the demands of workers. We have to implement the same effectively.
BSNLCCWF Zindabad !
Workers Unity Zindabad !
Unity for Struggle,
Struggle for Unity and
Unity & Struggle for Progress!
20 Monday Jan 2014
Posted in Telecom, Uncategorized
Tags
Another scam on spectrum allotment has been exposed by the CAG. The report charged the government with allotting spectrum to Reliance Jio below value which resulted in Rs. 4,800 crore to government.
The report stated” Due to the provision of inadequate eligibility criterion for the participation in the auction of BWA spectrum and deficient due diligence on the part of the DOT Officials, the promoters of IBSPL.. made windfall gain of Rs. 4,800 crore at the cost of public exchequer immediately after closure of BWA Spectrum auction in June 2010.”
The full details of scam is going to be exposed.
20 Monday Jan 2014
Posted in Obituary, Tributes
19th January 2014 is the 5th death anniversary of Comrade E.Balanandan, President of CITU, PB Member of CPI(M) and former Member of Parliament. He had passed away on 19th January 2009. From an electric worker he rose to the highest position in the trade union by his dedicated and committed work for the toiling masses. He was simplicity itself.
Personally myself and also P and T Union movement and BSNL Employees Union are indebted to Com. Balanandan for his advise and guidance in framing an ideological base and also strengthening the organisation. At the time of formation of BSNL Employees Union his guidance was inspiring. In all the crises, his advise saw us overcoming the hurdles.
Com. Balanandan is not with us now. But his memory and advise will always be remembered and we will march ahead.
Red Salute to Com. E.Balanandan!
20 Monday Jan 2014
Posted in General
Tags
A study has shown that half of the global wealth is owned by 85 richest persons in the world. The report, published by Oxfam, a world wide development organisation, stated that during the last 25 years more wealth has been concentrated in the richest people. It is also stated that lost of the world governments are granting big subsidies to the rich by reducing the taxes etc.
The report adds that in India during the last decade billionaires have increased tenfold. No doubt. The neo-liberal policy being implemented by the government and the most favouritism shown to the corporates and big business has resulted in the increase of the super rich.
Inequalities are rising year after year. The richest one per cent has increased their share of in income in 24 out of 26 countries for which data is available between 1980 and 2012, says the report.
A Change is necessary; A drastic change to the imperialist and capitalist system of exploitation.
20 Monday Jan 2014
In many places, BSNL Quarters are kept vacant for want of occupants. This is more with the officers’ quarters.these vacant quarters, due to non-use and non-cleaning quickly becomes damaged, dirty and a health risk.
BSNLEU and Forum of BSNL Unions/Associations had demanded that such vacant quarters can be bulk-allotted to other central governments /state governments /PSUs etc. after a making agreements with them. In some places, this system has already been implemented getting some money through rent and resulting in keeping the quarters in good condition.
We took up the ase for allotment of vacant quarters to retired officials. This has been agreed, although the rent is on the higher side and has to be reduced.
Now there is one more scope if the quarters are still vacant. A demand has come in the CEC meeting of the BSNL Casual and Contract Workers Federation meeting that vacant quarters be allotted to BSNL Casual/Contract workers. This demand is reasonable and can be agreed by the BSNL Management. These workers have been serving DOT/BSNL for the last 20 years or so.
We will take up the matter with the Management for a favourable decision.
20 Monday Jan 2014
The CEC Meeting of the BSNLCCWF held at Bhubaneswar has declared to observe 2014 will as the “BSNL Casual and Contract Workers Year”.
Strengthening the organisation and continuing sustained struggle for achieving the demands will be the main targets.
ORGANISE “BSNL CASUAL AND CONTRACT WORKERS YEAR” SUCCESSFULLY!
20 Monday Jan 2014
The Central Executive Committee Meeting of BSNL Casual and Contract Workers Federation (BSNLCCWF) held at Bhubaneswar has called upon the workers to organise sustained struggle to end the brutal exploitation and to achieve the fully justified and long pending demands.
The CEC was inaugurated by Com.Janardhan Pati, President CITU Odisha and President of Reception Committee. Com.V.A.N.Namboodiri, All India President, BSNLCCWF presided. The Report of Activities presented by the Secretary General Com. Tapas Ghosh was discussed and approved.
The CEC discussed about the present situation, the demand of the workers, the organsational position etc. It adopted a Programme of Action on the 11 Points charter of demands including Regularisation of Casual and Contract labour, implementation of minimum wage, EPF, ESI etc. (The draft resolution was published in yesterday’s blog).
The CEC declared that 2014 will be observed as “Casual Contract Labour Year” and maximum efforts will be made to get the issues settled.
An Open Session was held on 19th January near the GM Office premises which was attended by a large number of workers including regular workers who have from all parts of the state. Com. V.A.N.Namboodiri presided. Coms.Janardhan Pati, President, CITU, Odisha, Suresh Panigrahi, CITU and Vice-President BSLCCWF, P.R.Das, Circle secretary BSNLEU, Mohin Samal, Convener Confederation of CG Employees, Tapas Ghosh Secretary General and BSNLCCWF, Sahdev Biswal, Circle Secretary BSNLCCWF addressed. A procession was organised before the holding of the open session participated by a large number of workers.
The CEC also decided to hold the next All India Conference in T.Nadu accepting the invitation from the T.N.circle.
The Reception Committee was appreciated by all for the excellent arrangements made for holding the CEC meeting.
19 Sunday Jan 2014
The following Resolutions were adopted in the CEC of BSNLCCWF meeting at Bhubaneswar held on 18-19 January 2014:
BSNL CASUAL AND CONTRACT WORKERS FEDERATION
Resolution on Demands and Action Programme
This Central Executive Committee of BSNL Casual and Contract Workers Federation held at Bhubaneswar on 18-19 January 2014 expresses its deep anguish as also strong protest at the undue delay in regularisation of the left-out casual labours/contract workers , non-implementation of the labour laws with regard to the payment of minimum wages and social security measures etc. for the contract workers. It strongly opposes victimisation /retrenchment of the contract workers for their genuine trade union activities. Instead of implementing the government /BSNL Corporate office orders on the above, they are being completely dishonoured by the contractors and field level officers of the BSNL Management. The casual, contract workers engaged in BSNL are Inhumanly exploited. Despite many representations, discussions and agitation, the situation continues more or less the same.
This Central Executive Committee held at Bhubaneswar after serious discussion feels that the present unhappy situation can not continue and that serious agitational programme are required to achieve the minimum basic demands of the casual contract workers. It, therefore, resolves to organise the following agitational programmes on the fully justified and long pending demands of the workers:
1. Demonstration in front of SSA heads on 26 February 2014
2. Dharna in front of SSAs 26th March 2014
3. March to CGM office 23 April 2014
3. March to CMD BSNL Office ( date will be fixed later)
4. One Day Strike (the date of which will be decided later).
Demands
1. Regularisation of Left-out casual labours and Contract workers.
2. Casual labour wage to be the same as the lowest wage in BSNL, instead of that of DOT.
3. Minimum Wage as per Government Orders to be implemented to the contract workers, including higher wages for semi-skilled, skilled and highly skilled and as per A,B and C cities. Wages to be paid through accounts/cheque.
4. Implementation of Social Security measures like EPF, ESI, Gratuity , Bonus
5. HRA / Quarters to be allotted to casual contract workers.
6. EPF Account to be opened by the Principal Employer instead of by contractor
7. Issue of Identity Cards by BSNL Management
8. BSNL Management should take necessary steps to improve the services by procuring sufficient equipment to enable expansion and development.
9. Equal Pa y for Equal work for contract workers
10. Vacate Victimisation- Reinstate all the retrenched workers.
11.Recognise the BSNL Casual and Contract Workers federation.
The CEC calls upon all the units of the BSNLCCWF to organise the programme effectively and successfully with massive participation.
The CEC also demands the BSNL Management to come forward to discuss the issues raised by the Federation and settle the same.
Resolution for participation in the action programmes of the Central Trade Unions
The Central Executive Committee Meeting of the BSNLCCWF held at Bhubaneswar on 18-19 January 2014 expresses its full support and solidarity to the programmes adopted by the Central Trade Unions on the 10 Point demands opposing steep price rise, anti-workers decisions of the government as also demanding minimum wage of Rs. 10,000 to unorganised workers etc. BSNLCCWF has participated in all the programmes organised by the CTUs including the 48 hours strike on 20-21 February 2013 and the Massive Parliament March held on 12th December 2013.
This CEC meeting held at Bhubaneswar declares that this organisation will continue to participate in all the programmes being organised by the CTUs in future also on the common demands of the people and the toiling masses.
18 Saturday Jan 2014
Tags
The Meeting of the Central executive Committee of BSNL Casual and Contract Workers Federation started at Bhubaneswar today, 18th January, with the Union Flag hoisting by Com.V.A.N.Namboodiri, President at the RTTC premises amongst a large gathering. All the comrades paid homage to the martyrs by offering flowers, led by Com.Janardhan Pati, CITU leader and Chairman of the Reception Committee.
The CEC started at 10.30 hours in the seminar hall of the RTTC, presided bt Com.V.A.N.Namboodiri, President BSNLCCWF. Com. Tapas Ghosh Secretary General welcomed all and thanked the Reception Committee leaders and workers for the excellent arrangements made. Com.Janarddhan Pati, CITU leader inaugurated. In his speech he mentioned about the plight of the casual and contract workers and called upon the CEC to plan out agitational programmes for settlement of those issues. He analysed the present situation in the country and the united fight by the central unions against the neo-liberal policies of the government. he also mentioned about the high tradition of the odisha workers in stopping the privatisation of Nalco. Com. P.R.Das, Circle Secretary BSNLEU greeted the CEC.
(To be continued).
