Tag Archives: BSNLEU

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

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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

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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

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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!

Why Vote for BSNLEU in the VII Membership Verification?

09 Monday May 2016

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The VII Membership Verification is to take place tomorrow, 10th May 2016. Each vote is important and is part of the democratic process for electing the Recognised Union/s. There are 19 unions in the contest, but they are mainly in three / four alliances. Most of the employees might have already decided about their choice of union. But still, there are a few workers, who may have not taken their final decision.

In this verification we have been asking the workers to vote for BSNL Employees Union in Ballot No.9, Cell Phone Symbol. Why vote for BSNLEU?

  1. BSNLEU is the union which during the last 15 years since formation of BSNL had campaigned for strengthening BSNL, the telecom PSU, united all the unions under JAC/JF/Forum and took initiative for the mighty struggles against the wrong policies of the government and ensured that BSNL survives and flourishes.
  2. BSNLEU is the architect of the two excellent wage revisions, in 2000 and 2007 respectively, which benefited the employees immensely and got reasonable wages.
  3. BSNLEU never compromised on the demands of the workers, but fought and got the justified demands in many issues.
  4. BSNLEU is the only recognised union in the PSUs, which demanded for the recognition of a second union and proportionate representation. NFTE got recognition only on the demand of BSNLEU.
  5. BSNLEU got implemented many new demands like NEPP, Group Insurance, Gift of HMT Watch, Bank Loans, regular conduct of examinations, reservation for SC/ST employees, Change of designations etc. etc. which the earlier recognised federations could not think of even demanding.

What are the main issues to be settled after verification?

  1. Wage Revision from 2017. Wage Revision after every 5 years instead of existing 10 years. This was demanded in the last wage negotiation. But since 10 year wage revision was already implemented for executives, the management did not agree. This time it should be ensured.
  2. Five Promotions. Each Promotion after every five years. This will mainly benefit the new recruitees having about thirty years of service before them.
  3. Five Days Week. This demand was raised at the time of the First Wage Negotiation, but was kept pending. Corporate office is functioning 5 days, Central Govt. employees are having 5 days week, MNCs are having  5 days week, some of the state government employees as in Rajasthan are having five days week, most of the private companies in metro cities work for five days. It is time  that this issue is raised once again which will give some relief to all, especially the women workers. Half an hour working can be increased on working days and rotation duties brought for Customer Service and other important operational functions, thus without affecting the service to the customers.
  4. Immediate action to be taken to remove stagnation of low paid employees, RM, TM etc.  by implementation of increment every year either through stagnation increment or open end pay scale etc.
  5. Payment of Minimum Bonus of Rs. 7,500. 
  6. 78.2% IDA Fixation for pre-June 2013 pensioners
  7. Restoration of LTC, Medical Allowance etc.
  8. Minimum Wage Rs. 18,000 for contract workers as demanded by 11 Central Trade Unions
  9. Reducing the service condition to Five Years to appear in examinations. This demand taken by BSNLEU is already implemented in the case of JTO examination. This should be extended to all the other examinations.
  10. Recruitment should be made in all cadres to ensure that young and talented workers for the more than 1,50,000 vacancies due to retirement during the last 15 years since formation of BSNL. This can be done by regularising the casual/contract workers, compassionate appointment by removing the 5% restriction etc and also by direct recruitment.
  11. Defined Pension for the BSNL Appointees. At present, the new recruitees of BSNL are deprived of defined pension as in the case of BSNL absorbed DOT employees. This is gross discrimination and injustice. This should be changed by granting defined pension to new recruitees.   In the meantime,30% supernumerary benefits should be implemented for them.
  12. The Government should support BSNL as per its assurance at the time of formation of the PSU. It should immediately refund to BSNL the Income Tax refund of Rs. 8,000-10,000 crore, refund the Spectrum charges coming to about Rs. 6,000 crore and pay the Rs.1,250 crores granted by the USO Fund for compensating the loss making connections provided in the rural areas.
  13. Ensure reservations in recruitment, promotion and in all respects to the SC/ST employees as provided in the Constitution.
  14. Increase the Group Insurance benefits from the present Rs. 1 lakh, Rs. 3 lakhs and Rs.5 lakhs to at least to Rs. 3 lakhs, Rs. 5lakhs and Rs. t lakhs if not more.

These are only some of the most important demands. Many other issues concerning the BSNL employees will be taken.

VOTE FOR BSNLEU FOR THE BEST FUTURE OF BSNL AND ITS EMPLOYEES!

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

 

Meeting at Kota, Rajasthan

08 Sunday May 2016

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Membership verification campaign meeting was held at Kota, Rajasthan in the afternoon of 6th May 2016 at the lawn of GM Office premises.About two hundred comrades were present. Com. Dheevar Lal Goswami Dist. President, BSNLEU presided. Com. Chandra Dev Yadav, Dt. Secretary welcomed. Coms. V.A.N.Namboodiri, Patron, Kamal Singh Gohil, Circle President, Vijay Singh CHQ Org. Secretary, Ashok Pareek, Circle Secretary, Raj Kishore, Dt. President, SNATTA and other leaders addressed. They explained the issues dealt with by BSNLEU, the favourable settlements and the demands which are yet to be achieved. As was the case last time, the workers assured that BSNLEU will win with good majority in Kota also.

The BSNL Membership Verification Campaign ends – Polling on 10th May 2016

08 Sunday May 2016

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The campaign by the non-executive unions in BSNL in connection with the membership verification for grant of recognition to the union/s ends by evening of today, 8th May 2016. The polling will take place on 10th May through out the country. The results will be announced on 12th May. All the Unions are trying their maximum to canvass at the end of the campaign.

Though it was not possible to cover all the circles/ states as in the past verifications, I attended campaign meetings in Kerala, Andhra, Karnataka, Maharashtra, ALTTC, Telecom Factory Mumbai, Rajasthan, Uttarakahnd, Odisha, UP East and UP West. (I was compelled to cancel the programme to Bihar in the last moment due to illness of my wife.). While General Secretary might have visited almost all the circles, other CHQ office-bearers shared the responsibility covering the entire SSAs. This was a great campaign in which hundreds of meetings were held, at least one in each SSA and much more. The exercise might have been done by other unions participating in the verification also.

All the BSNL buildings – offices, exchanges etc. were full of wall posters, banners, flags and other campaign materials of the unions. The social media like Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp, website, blogs etc.were also used. But one thing I noted was that the maximum publicity was done by BSNLEU, the main recognised union. With regard to the participation of workers in the meetings also, it always had the first position. Of course, the retirement of more than thirty thousand workers since the last verification reflected in the number of workers present.

The allies who changed sides – TEPU and NFTBE from BSNLEU camp to NFTE and SNATTA from NFTE camp to BSNLEU – naturally explained the reasons for their change. BSNLEU had a lot of achievements to campaign, while NFTE mainly concentrated in attacking BSNLEU. This is usual in any election, nothing special. Generally it did not go beyond the permissible limits and cordiality between the leaders and workers were maintained.

The third alliance lead by FNTO aimed not at getting recognition, but at least to get one seat in the councils, which it missed last time by a small margin of votes.

The trend as per my interaction with the workers, participation in the meetings and the general discussions is that BSNLEU, the present main recognised union, which got 48.6% of total votes last time, may get 52% to 55% or more and is expected to become the Sole Bargaining Agent and the only recognised union. The % of votes by NFTE is expected to come down marginally, despite its massive campaign.

Anyway, my assessment is on the basis of my experience in the areas I campaigned. For a better assessment, more statistical calculation is required. It can be done after the voting is over. Anyway, by 12th, the results will be out.

If BSNLEU gets more than 50% of votes as expected and become the Sole Bargaining Agent, the entire basic situation in negotiation will take a new form. BSNLEU will have to bear more responsibilities, being the lone recognised union.

Whatever is the result, all the unions/associations will have to jointly work for strengthening BSNL and also for improving the position of the workers.’STRUGGLE FOR UNITY, UNITY FOR STRUGGLE AND STRUGGLE AND UNITY FOR PROGRESS’ will have to continue as our main guiding policy.