The Indeffinite Strike called by the Forum of BSNL Unions/Associations is going to be the biggest strike in the BSNL so far. The notice for the strike has been issued by as much as 16 unions so far, viz. by BSNLEU, NFTE, SNEA, AIBSNLEA, TEPU, BSNLWRU, BTU BSNL, BSNL ATM, NFTBE, BSNLMS, BTEU BSNL, AIGETOA, BSNLOA, AIBCTES, BSNL NTSU and SEWA BSNL. FNTO has given separate Notice. We are excepting the other few unions also to issue strike notice and participate in the dharna on 6th June and the Indefinite Strike from 13th June.

The denial of the justified demands of the workers by the BSNL Management in the discussions held on 1st June has to be replied with the strong actions by the workers. The discrimination to the absorbed employees can not be tolerated.

Come one and all to participate in the struggle for justice and fairplay.

As reported yesterday, the meeting between CMD BSNL and the Unions/Associations was held today at 1100 hours. CMD, Director (EB), Director (Finance), PGM (SR) and other top officers were present. The Forum leaders demanded that the long pending issues of the employees like 78.2% IDA Merger, restoration of the curtailed benefits, increase in the various allowances etc. be settled urgently. The plea of lack of funds is only to deny the rights of the workers, while the management has issued orders for increased allowances for the non-absorbee ITS officers. They told that there can not be such discrimination against the employees. The CMD did not counter the points of the unions but requested to withdraw the agitations including the strike and the demands will be considered when the financial position improves. The staff side forthrightly rejected the above.

The Unions met immediately after the meeting and called upon the workers at various level to speed up the preparations for the strike. They also called upon the workers to make the 6th Dharna programme a massive show of strength. All general Secretaries were asked to contact their Circle Secretaries to ensure organising the programmes jointly and make them a grand success.

The BSNL Management has called the Forum of BSNL Unions / Associations for discussion on the issues raised in the proposed Indefinite Strike from 13th June. The meeting will take place at 1030 hours on 1st June in the Board Room on 3rd floor.

The meeting of the Forum held today decided to form similar Forums at all levels and actively prepare for the strike. In addition to the Convener, Forum, the following unions/associations have signed the strike notice served on the BSNL Manaagement: BSNLEU, SNEA, AIBSNLEA, NFTE, NFTBE, TEPU, BSNLMS, BSNL ATM, BTU BSNL, BSNLWRU, SEWA BSNL, BTEU BSNL, AIGETOA, BSNLOA, AIBCTES and BSNL NTSU. FNTO has intimated that they will participate but will serve the notice separately.  Except a few unions all other unions have already signed the strike notice.

Copies of the Strike Notice have been sent to Shri Kapil Sibal, Communications Minister,  Shri Milind Deora, State Minister, Shri R.Chandrasekhar, Secretary, DOT, Chief labour Commissioner and PGM (SR).

The notice for today’s dharna was given at short notice. But the reaction was fantastic. From the reports received so far, the demonstrations have been organised with good participation in almost all the SSAs.

In Corporate Office Delhi, it was dharna instead of demonstration. Hundreds of comrades participated in the dharna. The workers raised slogans focussing the demands on the basis of which the dharna was organised.

Com. VAN Namboodiri, Convener of the Forum, inaugurated the dharna. Coms. P.Abhimanyu, GS BSNLEU, Prahlad Rai GS AIBSNLEA, G.L.Jogi President SNEA and leaders of all the organisations addressed. The Circle Secretaries assured that the strike from 13th June will be a good strike in Corporate office and NTR.