Tag Archives: BSNLEU

A unique decision on recognition of BSNL Unions – BSNLEU shows the way.

23 Sunday Dec 2018

Posted by in BSNLEU, General

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“Mysuru All India Conference takes historic decision to strengthen working class unity!
The Mysuru All India Conference has taken a historic decision to strengthen working class unity. This is the time when greater unity has to be built to settle the wage revision, pension revision and to safeguard BSNL from the attacks of the government. Revival of BSNL is our historic task. Without unity, we cannot achieve all these. This is not the time to quarrel among us on petty issues. This is not the time to test who is bigger and who is smaller. Particularly, the unity of the two recognised unions- BSNLEU and NFTE- is the need of the hour. The Mysuru All India Conference deeply deliberated this. Finally, the Conference decided to get the Recognition Rule modified, to strengthen unity. As per the Non- Executives’ Recognition Rules, if the first union gets 50% votes or more, than the second union will not get recognition. The Mysuru All India Conference has unanimously passed a resolution, demanding that this clause should be removed. We are hopeful that this will pave the way for closer coordination and understanding between the BSNLEU and NFTE- the two major trade unions of BSNL.” (courtesy: bsnleu.in)

It is also to be remembered that BSNLEU, the lone recognised union in BSNL in the last membership verification, demanded the government to recognise the second largest union in BSNL and thus the second union, NFTE got recognition. The present decision takes one more step in this direction. Congratulations to BSNLEU!

At this stage when further unity is being brought, let us not forget the past also. In the first membership verification in 2002, NFTE got about 1,05,000 votes and got recognition while BSNLEU got about 90,000 and became the second union. BSNLEU demanded that the BSNL management should recognise two unions in BSNL as was done in DOT ie. NFTE and FNTO. The BSNL Management was prepared for the same, but Com.O.P.Gupta, SG NFTE, threatened the the management with approaching court as also agitational programmes. Hence, the the management did not grant recognition to BSNLEU. In the next verification, BSNLEU became the sole recognised union, and continued as such till the last membership verification when BSNLEU itself demanded for the recognition of the II Union which made NFTE eligible for recognition. Now going one further step BSNLEU has demanded that even if the first union gets more than 50%, the second union should be recognised. This is an unparalleled decision and certainly will reduce the bitterness in the membership campaign and also go a long way in united struggle for BSNL and its workers.

Dharna by BSNL Unions and Associations on 30th October 2018

29 Monday Oct 2018

Posted by in AIBDPA - BSNL DOT Pensioners, BSNLEU

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BSNL employees and officers as per the call of the All Unions and Associations of BSNL (AUAB) will sit in dharna on 30th October 2018 in front of Offices / exchanges demanding immediate Wage revision and Pension Revision w.e.f. 01-01-2017, Payment of Pension contribution only on the basis of actual pay, Allotment of 4G Spectrum to BSNL and Implementation of the recommendations of the 2nd PRC in respect of superannuation benefits to BSNL directly recruited employees.

The Communications Minister had assured in February 2018 itself, when the workers went on agitation, that the demands will be favourably considered and the DOT was asked to initiate the formalities. However, nothing happened during these months. Hence the present action programme.

AIBDPA, the mighty organisation of the BSNL and DOT Pensioners have extended its full support and solidarity to the struggle. As usual, large number of pensioners will also participate.

BEFI takes the struggle to the streets – BSNL Unions too.

13 Sunday May 2018

Posted by in BSNL, PSU

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The PSU Banks are under attack from the government as well as the corporates. In the name of NPA or unpaid loans, the Banks are criticised, forgetting conveniently that these loans of lakhs of crores of rupees are the creation of corporates and corrupt top management of the banks who dance to the tunes of the government. The workers are under threat of loss of jobs due to merger of banks etc. And at the same time the workers are blamed for all these.

It is to inform and educate the people of all these and to save the banks, that BEFI has taken to the streets. The 24 hour programme by it at Kozhikode Mudalakkulam maidan on 11/12 May 2018 was a great success with the support of trade unions, service associations etc. A lot of information on the attacks on the various PSUs and other institutions could be gathered.

This is the correct approach in the present situation. The people have to be mobilised against the wrong policies and actions of the government. From tomorrow onward BSNL workers are also in the streets with the same approach.

Congratulations to BEFI and BSNLEU and other unions for approaching the people for support and co-operation!

Warm Greetings on BSNLEU Day!

22 Wednesday Mar 2017

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Today, 22nd March 2017 is the 16th Birth Anniversary of BSNL Employees Union (BSNLEU), which was formed at Visakhapatnam on 22nd March 2001 in the presence of thousands of telecom workers and as also in the august presence of Com. E.Balanandan, President, CITU and one of great working class leaders of India. The day is also the death anniversary of Com.A.K.Gopalan, M.P., the legend leader of the toiling masses.

The past sixteen years witnessed the growth of this organisation with the vast majority of BSNL workers making it their own. Due to its continuous struggles and achievements, it took the front position among the trade unions.

There are big challenges before BSNLEU when it is celebrating its 17th birth day. The threat of closure, privatisation is looming before it. Despite anti-PSU policy of the government, the PSU has started improving its financial position, but much more efforts are required for  better service.  The Forum, All Unions – Associations should be strengthened by including the BSNLCCWF which is implementing all the decisions of the Forum and is part of the BSNL workforce.

As the Founder General Secretary of BSNLEU, I feel proud with all other leaders and workers that BSNLEU has stood the test of time and has been the inspiration and protector of the BSNL workers.

BSNLEU Zindabad! Workers Unity Zindabad!

UNITY FOR STRUGGLE! STRUGGLE FOR UNITY! UNITY AND STRUGGLE FOR PROGRESS!

BSNL Employees Union completes 16 years of fruitful service

17 Friday Mar 2017

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BSNL Employees Union will be completing 16 years of fruitful service to the workers by 22nd March 2017. BSNLEU was formed on 22nd March 2001 at the National Convention of Telecom Employees held at Visakhapatnam in the presence of Com. E.Balanandan, one of the greatest leaders of the working class.

BSNL Employees Union was formed by merging 8 telecom unions, which were earlier part of NFPTE as also a few independent unions, which were functioning in co-ordination with each other and organised many struggles against the neo-liberal policy of the government and against the privatisation / corporatisation of government telecom services under Department of Telecom. These unions were entirely different from the revisionist and reactionary federations which existed in the DOT and supported the liberalisation/ privatisation/ globalisation policy of the government.  Comrades Sisir Bhattacharjee and Moni Bose were elected Patrons and Comrades J.N.Misra and V.A.N.Namboodiri as President and General Secretry respectively of the newly formed BSNLEU.

This Convention was treated as the First Conference of BSNLEU. Next All India Conferences were held at Lucknow (2003), Guwahati(2006), Bombay (2008), Thiruvananthapuram (2010), Ludhiana (2012), Kolkata (2014) and the last at Chennai (2017) respectively and in regular time. Comrades Balbir Singh, P.Abhimanyu, Swapan Chakraborty and Gokul Borah were elected as President, General Secretry, Dy. General Secretary and Treasurer respectively in the Chennai Conference.

BSNLEU functions most democratically and with working class ideology. Within three years of its formation, it became the major union and was elected as the single majority union in the Membership Verification held in 2004 with more than 50% of the total votes. In all the subsequent verifications it retained its majority and got elected as the majority union.

BSNLEU took a pivotal role in the first wage agreement, in which all the unions participated since the membership verification was not held at that time and no union was recognised as majority union. In the Second Wage settlement concluded in 2010, BSNLEU got an excellent wage revision for the employees with 30% fitment and other benefits. After continued struggles, four promotions were achieved for all the employees. HMT Watches were got supplied free to all employees and loans from PSU Banks made possible. The largest Group Insurance in the world with major benefits to BSNL employees were got implemented  through LIC. Medical Allowance was started. Many such benefits were achieved for the employees at the initiative of BSNLEU.

BSNLEU took initiative to form Joint Action Council of Unions/ Associations of Non-Executives and Executives and organised continuous struggles to save BSNL from being privatised/disinvested as per the declared policy of the government. It is to the credit of BSNLEU and the JAC /Joint Forum/Forum of BSNL Unions/Associations that the government neither could disinvest/privatise BSNL not it could implement VRS/CRS or unbundling of its cables despite several decisions to that effect. BSNLEU is one of the few PSUs, which 100% owned by the government of India. The latest strike was on 15th December 2016 against formation of a separate Tower Company carving out of BSNL.

BSNLEU is part of the CPSTU (Co-Ordination Committee of Public Sector Trade Unions) as also Trade Union International (Public Services) affiliated to WFTU and is actively participating in its activities.

BSNLEU took initiative in forming All India BSNL DOT Pensioners Association (AIBDPA) and BSNL Casual Contract Workers Federation (BSNLCCWF) and is actively extending ll support and solidarity to them.

BSNLEU took pivotal role in improving the services as also bringing back BSNL from a loss making entity to its present position, where it has started posting operational profit. It  is expected to be profitable by the end of this  financial year.

In short, during the 16 years of its existence BSNL Employees Union has made its impact and has been the inspiration of the BSNL employees. That is why it has grown from a small union to be the  biggest union in the sector.

There are challenges and challenges before BSNL and its workers. The recommendation of NITI Ayog for closure or transfer to States of BSNL is under the consideration of the government. BSNL – MTNL merger is another. Improving BSNL services and making it profitable is another concern. All these issues have to be dealt with on priority basis.

The time has also come to think about whether the unions of non-executives and associations of executives should continue as such or whether it is possible to have single unions for the executives and non-executives together which will be a mighty force to face the coming challenges. The casual contract workers association can also be part of this great organisation. However, these are issues which have to be thoroughly discussed in detail among all concerned.

Our Heartfelt Greetings and Best Wishes to all members on this 17th Birth Day of BSNL Employees Union! Let us March ahead in the path shown by the great leaders of the P and T Trade union movement like Henry Barton, Babu Tarapada, Dada Ghosh, K.G.Bose and others who sacrificed their entire lives for the betterment of the workers!

UNITY FOR STRUGGLE, STRUGGLE FOR UNITY AND UNITY & STRUGGLE FOR PROGRESS!

My Quarter Century at Delhi

31 Monday Oct 2016

Posted by in BSNLEU, General

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I am completing 25 years of Union service at Delhi, a long period indeed! It was in the first week of November 1991 that myself and Com.Moni Bose reached Delhi to take over charge of CHQ AITEEU Class III, after the historic victory in the Bhopal All India Conference held in the last week of October. Veteran leader late Com. K.Adinarayana, former Secretary General of NFPE and many other leaders were there to receive us. AITEE Union changed in to AITEE Union(N), and then after formation of BSNL and merger of about 8 unions, BSNL Employees Union was born on 21st March 2001.

BSNL Employees Union has grown as the biggest Union in BSNL and the major recognised union. It has settled many major issues of the Telecom Workers. It has defended BSNL from the attacks of the government and stopped VRC/CRS, Disinvestment and unbundling of the priceless copper cables from privatising with the joint efforts of all the unions/associations. Two major wage revisions have taken place which largely benefitted the workers. Better promotional prospects have been ensured. One more wage revision is to take place.  Other important demands are also there. BSNL Employees Union and its leaders and workers are capable of dealing and settling them.

During these 25 years,I had the opportunity of meeting thousands of workers all over the country, discussing with them, receiving their hospitality, love and affection. I thank all these comrades!

I thank the comrades of Delhi, the leaders and workers of CHQ and others who made my life and work enjoyable and fruitful and who were with me in thick and thin.

Let us continue marching ahead in the path shown to us  by our great leaders:

“Unity for Struggle, Struggle for Unity and Unity and Struggle for Progress!”

“Workers of the World, Unite!”

Hold National Council Meeting of BSNL without further delay

03 Monday Oct 2016

Posted by in BSNL, BSNLEU

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The VII Membership Verification of Non-executive unions in BSNL was conducted on 10th May 2016 and results announced with BSNLEU as the Main Recognised Union and NFTE as the second recognised union.

It is almost five long months, but the management is yet to notify the formation of the National Council. BSNLEU has already given its nominations. (4 seats are kept vacant for its allies). Despite the nominations, BSNL Management has not formed the Council. This is completely unacceptable. Meetings are to be held once in three months. Already the period for one meeting is over.

Management should form the National Council immediately and start discussion. The employees have got a lot of issues which require urgent attention.

Meeting with Director (HR) on Casual labour issue

31 Wednesday Aug 2016

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Com. V.A.N.Namboodiri, President BSNLCCWF met Smt. Sujata Ray, Director (HR), BSNL on 31st August and discussed about the implementation of the new pay/wages for the casual labour and TSM in BSNL. The central government has issued orders on the recommendations of the VII CPC, according to which the lowest wage in central government is Rs. 18,000. This should be implemented for the TSM and Casual labour in BSNL as per existing rules. Director (HR) assured that this will be done. Smt. Madhu Arora GM(Estt.) was also present.

Com. Namboodiri also brought to the notice of the Director (HR) about the regularisation of Com.P.J.Sebastian, TSM, Kerala, who have passed the examination, but the posting was delayed. The management went on appeal to the Supreme Court against the decision of the Kerala High Court to post him as Telecom Mechanic, but the appeal was dismissed. Director(HR) stated that the letter from the GMT Kerala has been received and it is being examined.

Welcome Agreement on Minimum Wages for contract workers in Kerala.

08 Wednesday Jun 2016

Posted by in BSNLCCWF - Casual and Contract workers, BSNLEU, General

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After 5 months of militant struggle, in which leaders of BSNLEU and SNEA were suspended, transferred and charge-sheeted, the Kerala BSNL contract workers have won their demands for higher wages. As the orders issued on the basis of the agreement reached between the union and the circle Management,  the new rates are as follows:

  1. Unskilled Labour : Rs.318 ( Rs. 236 earlier)
  2. Semiskilled Labour: Rs. 343 (Rs. 258 earlier)
  3. Skilled Labour : Rs. 351 (Rs. 258 earlier)
  4. Out door workers will get Rs.17/- as transport allowance.
  5. Variable DA will be in addition.
  6. These rates will be implemented from 1st August 2015.
  7. These rates are based on the minimum wages for Kerala State.

We congratulate the BSNLEU, BSNLCCWF and SNEA leaders and workers who organised the struggle and fought to the end. Com.K.Mohanan, Circle Secretary BSNLEU and Circle President BSNLCCWF, N.R.Somasekharan Nair, CS, BSNLCCLU and George Verghese, then CS SNEA along with the other leaders in the circle led the militant struggle. Coms. V.A.N.Namboodiri, President, BSNLCCWF, P.Abhimanyu, GS BSNLEU and K.Sebastin, GS SNEA and other leaders from CHQ negotiated with the BSNL Management at each and every stage.

Congratulations for the casual contract workers of Kerala for their great victory!