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Action Programmes by All Unions Associations of BSNL

28 Wednesday Mar 2018

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The decisions taken by the meeting of the AUAB after the historic Sanchar Bhawan March is reproduced below. The nefarious game of the government to destroy BSNL should be defeated at all costs. The programme includes (1) Massive dharnas on 12th April 2018 at Corporate Office, Circles and districts (2) March to Governors’ residences and submission of memorandum on 24-04-2018 and (3) National Convention at New Delhi on 9th / 10th May 2018. (4) Contacting M.P.s to address the Convention.
The AUAB Circular is given below:

After today’s demonstration programme, that was held in front of the Sanchar Bhawan, an
emergency meeting of the AUAB was held in FNTO’s office. The meeting was presided
over by Com.Chandeshwar Singh, GS, NFTE BSNL. Representatives of BSNLEU, NFTE,
SNEA, AIBSNLEA and FNTO attended this meeting. The following decisions are taken:-
(1) The meeting thanked and congratulated all the comrades who participated in today’s
demonstration in front of Sanchar Bhawan, defying the prohibitory orders of the
police, and making the demonstration a resounding success.
(2) The meeting decided that the AUAB should intensify it’s struggle, demanding the
rolling back of the Subsidiary Tower Company. To achieve this, it is decided that
massive dharnas should be conducted at the Corporate Office, circle and district
levels on 12.04.2018. It is also decided that the AUAB should inform the BSNL
Management that, the employees will go on indefinite strike, if the BSNL Board gives
it’s approval to the direction of DoT, for making the Subsidiary Tower Company
operational.
(3) The meeting reviewed the progress in the wage revision matter. As agreed upon in
the meeting held with the Hon’ble MoS(C) on 24.02.2018, the DoT has sent the file
for the approval of the DPE. It is decided that the leaders of AUAB shall meet the
Secretary, DPE, tomorrow the 28.03.2018, to press for an early approval by the
DPE.
(4) It is decided that “March to Governor’s Residence” programme should be conducted
in all circle head quarters on 19.04.2018, and memorandum should be submitted to
the Governor’s. This “March to Governor’s Residence” should be effectively utilised
to make a campaign among the general public, against the Subsidiary Tower
Company.
(5) The meeting decided that a National Convention should be organised in the
Mavalankar Hall at New Delhi, on 09th or 10th May, 2018, demanding the rolling back
of the Subsidiary Tower Company. It is also decided that prominent MPs should be
invited to address this Convention.

AIBDPA has called upon all its units to fully participate in the agitational programme. The call is given below:

“It is a do or die battle, involving the very survival of BSNL. So nobody ,who wants BSNL to continue as a viable PSU extending telecom services to the people of all parts of the country at affordable rates, could be a mere on looker , when an agitation for protecting it takes place. So as in the past, AIBDPA also should be part of this struggle. CHQ office bearers, Circle Secretaries and District Secretaries are requested to take the initiative to ensure maximum participation of pensioners in the Mass Dharna on 12-04-2018 and the March to Governor’s Residence (Raj Bhawan) on 19-04-2018.”

Struggles by Workers to Defend and Save BSNL : 2004 – 2015 ( 32 )

19 Sunday Jul 2015

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Meeting with Secretary, DOT

The Secretary DOT called for a meeting with the Forum on 1st May 2015, after a few days of the strike.

A meeting of the Forum of BSNL Unions/Associations with the Secretary DOT, Shri Rakesh Garg, was held on 1st May 2015 at the Committee Room of Sanchar Bhawan to discuss about the issues raised in the Two Days Strike of BSNL employees on21-22 April 2015.

In addition to the secretary DOT, Special Secretary (T) Smt. Rita Teotia, Member (Finance) Smt. Annie Moraes, Member (Services) Shri N.K.Yadav, Administrator USOF Smt. Aruna Sunderarajan, Joint Secretary(T) Shri V.Umashankar, Director(PSU) Shri Sanjeev Gupta and other officers were present from DOT. BSNL was represented by CMD Shri Anupam Shrivastava, ED(Finance) Smt. Sujata Ray, Sr.GM(SR) Shri Shamim Akhtar and other officers.

From the Forum side Coms. C.Singh (NFTE) Chariman, V.A.N.Namboodiri, Convener Forum, P.Abhimanyu(BSNLEU), K.Jayaprakash(FNTO), Prahlad Rai(AIBSNLEA), K.Sebastin (SNEA), S.V.S.Subrahmaniam(BTEU), Suresh Kumar(BSNLMS), Rasheed Khan(TEPU), H.P.Singh(BSNLOA), Sunil Gautam (SNATTA), R.P.Sahu (AIGETOA), Rakesh Sethi (AIBSNLOA), Hari Singh(BTU BSNL), Rana Pratap(BEA) and S.Raveendran(SEWA BSNL) participated.

The meeting started at 17.15 hours. Secretary DOT welcomed. All the participants introduced themselves. Convener Forum thanked the Secretary DOT for holding the meeting, though only after the strike. He conveyed May Day Greetings to all the participants. He also mentioned about the statements of the Communications Minister regarding his concerns for the revival of BSNL, which is a good sign. Then the issues connected with the strike issues were discussed, a brief report of which is given below:

  1. 1. Financial Assistance from Government and implementation of assurances given at the time of Corporatisation of BSNL

The Forum leaders pointed out that at the time of Corporatisation, the then Communications Minister Shri Ram Vilas Paswan, had assured full support for the new entity and orders were issued to financially assist BSNL through payment of ADC, Reimbursement of Licence Fee and also liberal subsidy from the USO Fund. Within a few years, all these have been discontinued creating a heavy financial burden of the BSNL resulting in loss for the last five years. The Forum representatives demanded that all these assurances be implemented/ restored.

The amount of Rs. 1,250 crore recommended from the USOF in lieu of ADC for 2012-13 is not yet paid to BSNL. It needs to be paid urgently and such allotments should be made for next years also. BSNL is having a loss of about Rs.10,000 crore yearly for providing rural connections etc. as per the universal service  policy of the government, which should be fully compensated by the Government.

Further, the Forum demanded that refund of charges for the BWA spectrum surrendered by BSNL coming to about Rs. 6,700 crore be paid without any further delay.

BSNL is eligible for refund of Income Tax paid, considering its payment to DOT on various counts. This may come to about Rs. 7,000 crore. This should be refunded.

By making payment of pension contribution on the basis of the maximum of the pay scale, BSNL was compelled to pay about Rs. 2,400 crore extra, which may be refunded. The government order on payment of pension contribution on the actual basic pay should be implemented in the case of BSNL.

The salary of the employees in the TERM CELL, which is part of DOT, is being paid by BSNL, which should be repaid to BSNL.

Further for immediate purchase of urgently required equipments, the DOT may give a soft loan of about Rs.10,000 crore to BSNL.

The Secretary DOT stated that the amount in lieu of ADC from USOF is given as per recommendations of TRAI and DOT will do accordingly in future also. Process for payment of Rs. 1,250 crore allotted has started and will be paid early.

The refund of charges of BWA Spectrum is being considered. The reconciliation for the refund of the Income Tax paid has started and will be finalised soon. The issue of payment of pension contribution on the basis of the actual pay will be taken up with the government. The question of repayment of payment  made to TERM CELL on salary etc. also will be considered. With regard to Soft Loan of Rs. 10,000 crore, Secretary DOT stated that BSNL can take loan from banks.

He further stated that the government has to provide level playing field to all operators to which the Forum leaders pointed out that in fact the private players are being favoured as in the case of giving earlier licence for mobile services.

  1. 2. Revision of Pension of BSNL Retirees and orders for 78.2% IDA Pension fixation for pre-2007 and post 2007 retirees up to June 2013:

The Forum leaders expressed strong resentment at the undue delay in issue of orders on 78.2% IDA Pension fixation for the BSNL retires up to June 2013. Those who retired after June 2013 have already received the same. The pensioners are put to much loss in their pension. Already it had been delayed for years and early orders are required. They also demanded that Pension Revision should be made whenever there is a wage/pay revision for employees. They also demanded that the condition of 60%-40% condition on payment of pension is unjustified and should be done away with.

The Secretary DOT agreed to take up the matter of Pension revision with the government. He assured that the Cabinet Note of 78.2% is being prepared and will be finalised soon. With regard to removal of 60% :40% condition on pension payment, the earlier DOT orders mentioned by the Forum will be  examined.

  1. No Merger of BSNL and MTNL:

The Forum demanded that before any merger decision is taken, the liabilities of MTNL to the extent of Rs. 20,000 crore has to be waived, the disinvested shares to be purchased back and HR issues settled. Secretary DOT told that no decision has been taken and the concerns raised by the Forum will be attended to before any decision is taken.

  1. 4. Filling up of Posts of Directors in BSNL.

To the demand of the Forum for filling up posts of Directors in BSNL, Secretary DOT stated that government is taking action in the matter.

  1. 5. Transfer of all assets to BSNL

Forum demanded that all the assets of BSNL should transferred to it without delay. Further, the representatives stated that many BSNL buildings are being taken by CCA etc arbitrarily. This should be stopped.

DOT stated that the demarcation between the DOP and DOT are still pending in some places. This has to be identified. The transfer of assets to BSNL is being examined.

  1. BSNL Service to be mandatory to Central/State governments and PSUs

The demand of the Forum for making that the BSNL services should be made mandatory for the governments etc. is not accepted. There are a lot of complaints about BSNL services and in this situation, the government will not accept any such proposal. The Forum leaders explained the reasons for the present position of inefficiency and intimated that suggestions for improvement of the same have been made by them.

Other issues like 30% of superannuation benefits to BSNL recruited officials, reduced pay scales etc. were raised, but the Secretary DOT stated that these are in the domain of the BSNL.

The meeting ended at about 19.00 hours, after vote of thanks to the Chair and to all. The Convener, Forum proposed that such meetings should be held in future also to sort out pending issues.

A Saga of Struggles and Defence for survival and revival of BSNL

The BSNL employees were continuously on struggle to defend the interests of the BSNL and its workers from the formation of BSNL itself. The Joint Forum / Joint Action Committee /Forum of BSNL Unions & Associations of Non-Executives and Executives, by whichever name it was called at different times, was in the forefront in leading the struggles. It is a credit to the BSNL Employees that they did not allow the government to implement either disinvestment or VRS, though it had taken decisions for the same.

The unity, dedication and determination of the BSNL workers had stood  the test of time. The task at present is to improve the services to the customers on the one hand and to strengthen and make BSNL financially viable on the other side. The government should be made to support BSNL, the telcom PSU, instead of trying to hand it over to private. Sustained struggles will be required for the same.

SAVE-BSNL, SAVE NATION is the immediate task. BSNL can not be allowed to die or be killed. It has to be restored to its past glory and efficient service to the customers. The BSNL employees under the banner of the Forum of BSNL Unions/Associations will continue to fight for the Revival of BSNL and against the neo-liberal, anti-PSU policies of the government. (Concluded).

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Dear visitor, Thank you for reading the article. Comments or suggestions, if any, may be posted so that I can correct, modify if found necessary. VAN Namboodiri

 

 

 

 

 

Struggles by Workers to Defend and Save BSNL : 2004 – 2015 ( 31 )

18 Saturday Jul 2015

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2015

Notice  for two days  strike on 21-22 April 2015 served on 12-03-2015

The notice for strike from 21 to 22 April 2015 was served on the BSNL Management and Secretary, DOT, on 12-03-2015 after a mighty demonstration in front of the Corporate Office. Demonstrations were held in Circles/SSAs  also on the same day.

The Strike  notice was signed by Comrades V.A.N.Namboodiri, Convener, Forum, P.Abhimanyu(BSNLEU), C.Singh (NFTE & President Forum), K.Sebastin (SNEA(I), Prahlad Rai (AIBSNLEA), K.Jayaprakash(NUBSNLW(FNTO), R.C.Pandey (BTEU), Suresh Kumar(BSNLMS), R.Venkatraman(TEPU), H.P.Singh(BSNLOA), Anoop Mukherjee(SNATTA), R.P.Sahu(AIGETOA), Rakesh Sethi(AIBSNLOA), R.K.Ram(BTUBSNL), Rana Pratap (BEA BSNL) and R.Raveendran (SEWA BSNL).

Parliament March on 25th March 2015 on Revival of BSNL

The Parliament March which was decided to be held on 19th December 2014 has been postponed to  25th March 2015.  Almost all the state level conventions were held effectively and with massive participation of employees and addressed by Forum all India leaders. Lakhs of signatures from the people were collected demanding the government to take necessary action for Revival of BSNL.

The Parliament March on 25th March 2015 started from the BSNL Corporate Office premises. The leaders of the Forum walked behind the big banner of FORUM  with Parliament March printed on it. Thousands of workers participated with banners and flags of all the unions/associations. Though the police had denied permission, the March went through Janpath, Tolstoy Marg and Jantar Mantar. When it reached near the Parliament Street, the march was stopped by the police with barricades, where a rally was held.

The rally was presided by Com. C.Singh GS NFTE & President Forum. Com.V.A.N.Namboodiri, Convener, Forum welcomed all and congratulated the workers and leaders for the massive participation and presented the demands of the workers. The Meeting was addressed by Com. Tapan Sen, MP & General secretary CITU, Shri Vrijesh Upadhyay, General Secretary, BMS, Com. Shiv Gopal Mishra, General Secretary, AIRF, Com. Amarjit Kaur, Secretary, AITUC and Dr. Dharam Vir Gandhi, M.P. (AAP). The rally was also addressed by Coms.P.Abhimanyu(BSNLEU), Prahlad Rai(AIBSNLEA), K.Sebastin(SNEA(I), R.C.Pandey (BTEU), K.Jayaprakash(NUBSNLW(FNTO), Suresh Kumar(BSNLMS), R.Venkatraman(TEPU), Hari Singh(BTU) and others.

A Delegation consisting of Comrades C.Singh, President Forum and GS NFTE, V.A.N.Nambodiri Convener  Forum, P.Abhimanyu(BSNLEU), K.Sebastin(SNEA(I) and Prahlad Rai(AIBSNLEA) went and submitted the Memorandum  to the Prime Minister’s office.

The Parliament March was a big success in all respects. The workers and leaders of BSNL Unions/Associations deserved much appreciation for the same.

Meeting with CMD BSNL was held on 17th April 2015. Since most of the items were to be decided to be settled by the DOT no agreement could be reached in the meeting.

 Mighty Two Days Strike on 21-22 April 2015

The discussion with CMD BSNL could not result in any settlement since most of the issues were to be settled with the DOT. The Secretary DOT did not call the Forum for a meeting to discuss the strike issues. Though a call was received in the late evening of 20th April for a meeting immediately, it could not take place since the General Secretaries were not available since all  were in strike preparation.

The strike started from 00.00 hours on 20/21st April and continued till 00.00 hours on 22/23 April 2015. The strike was a complete success with almost 100% in many places. In many circles the entire offices and exchanges stood closed and deserted without any employee attending. Huge demonstrations were organized in front of offices by the striking employees. The Casual and contract workers as per the call of the BSNLCCWF also struck work on both the days. As per call of AIBDPA, BSNL – DOT Pensioners participated in the demonstrations and gave solidarity and support. Central Trade Unions like CITU, AITUC, BMS, INTUC and others also supported.  AIRF, AIIEA, Confederation of Central Govt. Employees & Workers, BEFI,  NFPE, AISGEF and other Federations of employees also gave full support and extended solidarity.

Com. V.A.N.Namboodiri, Convener, met many Members of Parliament and briefed them about the demands raised in the strike and requested that these may be raised in the Parliament. The Forum is much thankful that the following Members of Parliament, Comrades Sankar Prasad Datta, Jitendra Choudhary ( both from Tripura), P.Karunakaran (leader of CPI(M) in Lok Sabha), P.K.Biju, A.Sampath, P.K.Sreemathi(all from Kerala) who raised in the zero hour in the Parliament on 22st April the issues of strike by the BSNL workers and the demands and demanded intervention by the government. Some of these M.P.s addressed letters to the Communications Minister. (To be continued)

Struggles by Workers to Defend and Save BSNL : 2004 – 2015 ( 30 )

17 Friday Jul 2015

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Contribution to J&K Relief Fund

There was heavy rain and unprecedented floods in Kashmir in September 2014 killing hundreds of people and destroying houses and every thing. For days, Srinagar was submerged including government offices and even hospitals. Such a disaster, Kashmir never saw. The Forum Meeting held on 12-09-2014 decided to contribute one day basic pay for the Kashmir Relief Fund and addressed the BSNL Management to deduct it from the salary and pay to the relief Fund. This was done.

Memorandum to the Members of Parliament

As per decision of the Forum, a Memorandum was prepared to be given to the Members of Parliament explaining the requirement of BSNL and to take up the issue with the government. This was circulated to the Circle/District Secretaries asking them to  meet  the MPs of their constituency requesting them to take up with the Central Government.

Programmes of Action demanding Revival of BSNL

The financial position was deteriorating. For continuous four years BSNL has posted loss. Equipments are not procured due to lack of funds. The issues of the  workers are not being settled in the name of loss. Despite continued efforts of the Forum and the unions/associations, neither the government nor the management was taking any action to improve the situation. Continuous meetings of the Forum were held in December 2014 and decision was taken to organize sustained struggle including indefinite strike for  making compulsions on the government and management to take necessary immediate actions for the revival of BSNL.

  1. A Demands Day to be observed on 11th December 2014.
  2. Massive Campaign for 10 days from 11th to 20 th December 2014 by meeting the public, MPs, MLAs, Trade Unions etc. seeking support for our demands
  3. One crore signatures to be obtained from the Public in support of the demands addressed to the Prime Minister
  4. Parliament March on 19th December 2014 with massive participation on which date the Signatures will be presented to the Prime Minister.
  5. 3 days dharna on 6-8 January 2015.
  6. Indefinite Strike from 3rd February 2015.

The meeting of the Forum held on 5th December 2014 felt that more time is required for the Signature Campaign and other programmes to be organized successfully. It was also decided that state level conventions should be held in order to mobilize the workers for the indefinite strike. The General Secretaries should jointly participate in these conventions. The Forum should be formed in circles where it has not been formed so far. Such Conventions were held successfully with massive  participation. The Date of the Parliament March was also postponed for sufficient preparations, including reservation of tickets from far away places.

The Forum contacted all the unions of executives and non-executive unions in BSNL and called upon them to be party in this great struggle for the Revival of BSNL and SAVE BSNL-SAVE NATION Campaign.

19 meetings of the Forum were held in 2014 which took important decisions and implemented effectively.(To be continued)

Struggles by Workers to Defend and Save BSNL : 2004 – 2015 ( 29 )

16 Thursday Jul 2015

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Memorandum to the  Communications Minister

In the general elections, UPA was  defeated and the NDA government was formed with Shri Narendra Modi as Prime Minister. Shri Ravi Shankar Prasad is the new Communications & IT Minister. Immediately on taking over charge, he stated that revival of BSNL and MTNL is his priority. He criticized the earlier government for not attending to the requirement of these two PSUs.

In these circumstances, the Forum in its meeting on 22-05-2014 took the decision to submit a Memorandum to the Communications Minister.

The Memorandum dated 26-05-2014 with the following demands was submitted to the Communications Minister .

  1. Honouring of Assurances given to BSNL at the time of Corporatisation
  2. Providing Financial Assistance to BSNL
  3. Refund of Spectrum charges paid by BSNL to government
  4. Formation of new / subsidiary companies disintegrating BSNL to be stopped.
  5. Filling up of directors of BSNL Board
  6. Pension Contribution on the basis of actual pay instead of the maximum of the payscale.
  7. BSNL/MTNL Services to be made mandatory for Central/State/PSU establishments
  8. Absorption of ITS officers
  9. 78.2% IDA Merger for BSNL Pensioners

The Memorandum was signed by Comrades V.A.N.Namboodiri, Convener, Forum, Suresh Kumar (BSNLMS), Islam Ahamed(NFTE), Prahlad Rai(AIBSNLEA), R.P.Sharma(BSNLOA), Sunil Gautam(SNATTA), R.K.Ram(BTU), Gajendra Kumar(BTEU), R.K.Kohli (NFTBE), P.Abhimanyu(BSNLEU) Jayaprakash (FNTO) and K.Sebastin (SNEA(I).

Passive Infrastructure Agreement between BSNL and Reliance

When it came to the notice of the Forum that an agreement has been made between BSNL and Reliance for passive infrastructure of the BSNL towers, it held a meeting immediately on 18-07-2014 and discussed the issue. The Forum decided to demand the management to immediately provide it with all details of the agreement, after which the Forum will discuss again.

M/s Deloitte Committee Recommendations opposed

In the meanwhile  M/s Deloittee Consultants, which was engaged by the BSNL Management gave its recommendations with regard to the financial viability and revival of BSNL. There was no discussion or consultation with the unions/associations. The recommendations including VRS, combing SSAs, reducing the sanction of staff etc. were completely against the interest of BSNL as well as its workers. The meeting of the Forum held on 04-08-2014 strongly opposed the recommendations and decided to organize agitational programmes for rejecting the same.

  1. Protest demonstrations on 12th August 2014 at Corporate office/Circle/SSAs.
  2. A Press statement to be issued against the retrograde recommendations of Deloitte Consultants
  3. Meet the Communications Minister on this issue.

The demonstrations in Delhi was held on 21st August  2014 so as to adjust with the meeting of the Heads of BSNL Circles at that day at Corporate Office. All the programmes were successfully organized. But however, no meeting with the minister could be arranged. (To be continued)

Struggles by Workers to Defend and Save BSNL : 2004 – 2015 ( 27 )

14 Tuesday Jul 2015

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2014

Memorandum to the Prime Minister

As per the decision of the Forum, a Memorandum was prepared and presented to the Prime Minister on 14-02-2014 on the following burning issues facing BSNL and its workers:

  1. No Merger of BSNL and MTNL without settling the question of MTNL’s huge liability and disinvestment as also the HR Issues
  2. No formation of subsidiary Tower Company as proposed
  3. Revival of BSNL.
  4. Loss on rural services should be compensated to BSNL
  5. Provide soft loan to BSNL for procurement of equipment etc.

The Forum also expressed it s strong protest against the non-discussion of these issues by the BSNL Management as also DOT.

Lunch Hour Demonstrations on 28-02-2014

As per decision of the Forum meeting held on 27-02-2014, lunch hour demonstrations were held on 28-02-2014 against merger of BSNL & MTNL and formation of companies bifurcating BSNL. Though at short notice,  the programme was well responded by the workers.

Superannuation benefits of Directly Recruited employees

The Forum leaders met the High Power Committee appointed by the Management on 14-02-2014 and discussed about the superannuation benefits to the BSNL recruited employees. Forum leaders insisted for 30% benefits as per the guide lines of DPE. The management was prepared to provide only 20%. A detailed letter on our demands was given to the management.

Merger of BSNL and MTNL

The Forum wrote a strong letter to the BSNL Management and DOT opposing the proposed merger of BSNL and MTNL and warned that if any arbitrary decision is taken, the workers will be compelled to go on agitational programmes including indefinite strike. It was assured by DOT that the concerns raised by the unions will be taken in to consideration and the unions will be consulted before any final decision is taken.

Pension Contribution

Forum demanded the DOT that the pension  contribution to be paid by BSNL to DOT should be on the actual basic salary and not on the maximum of the scale as is being calculated at present. No decision was taken in the matter. (To be continued)

Struggles by Workers to Defend and Save BSNL : 2004 – 2015 ( 26 )

11 Saturday Jul 2015

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Meeting with CMD BSNL on 30-11-2013

A meeting of the Forum with the CMD, Shri R.K.Upahyay was held on 30-11-2013, which was participated by the General Secretaries of the Unions. The demands of the workers as well as the proposals for the revival of BSNL were discussed in detail.

12th December 2013 Parliament March by Central Trade Unions

As per the decision of the meeting of the Forum held on 9th October 2013, the BSNL employees in large numbers participated in the Parliament March held on 12th December 2013 as peer the call of the Central Trade Unions on the 10 Point demands raised by them.

2013 was also a year of struggles by the BSNL workers as per the call of the Forum. 20 meetings of the Forum was held in the year and important decisions taken. (to be continued)

Struggles by Workers to Defend and Save BSNL : 2004 – 2015 ( 25 )

10 Friday Jul 2015

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Uttarakhand Disaster Relief Fund

The meeting of the Forum held on 26th June 2013, expressed its great sorrow in the death of hundreds of people of Uttarakhand floods and landslides and decided to donate one day pay as donation for the relief fund. The BSNL Management was accordingly requested to collect the amount from the pay and give it to the Prime Minister’s Relief Fund.

Badge Campaign against 100% FDI in Telecom

The Forum meeting held on 17th July 2013 decided to organize a Badge campaign against the decision of the Government to increase FDI in Telecom from 74%to 100%, which will result in the telecom sector being completely taken over by the foreign corporates. Accordingly, BSNL employees wore the Badge with the words “Drop Decision to Increase FDI in Telecom & Defence” on 25th July and attended the offices. Demonstrations were also organized on the day.

National Convention of BSNL Employees on 3rd August 2013.

The National Convention of BSNL Employees was held at Mavlankar Hall, New Delhi on 3rd August 2013 which was attended by more than 1,000 delegates from all over India. The Convention was organized by the Forum of BSNL Unions & Associations to discuss and decide upon the measures to be taken for improving the financial position of BSNL and also for improving the services.

Com.Chandeshwar Singh, SG NFTE and President Forum presided. Com.V.A.N.Namboodiri, Convener, Forum, welcomed the guests and delegates and introduced the draft Declaration of the Convention for discussion and adoption. Central Trade Unions leaders including Com. Gurudas Dasgupta, M.P. & General Secretary AITUC, Com.Swadesh Dev Roye, Secretary, CITU, Shri B.N.Rai, General Secretary, BMS, Dr. Udit Raj, President, All India SC/ST Employees Federation, Thomas John, Organising  Secretary, INTUC and  Com. R.Venkatraman (LPF &TEPU) addressed. The Central Trade Union leaders strongly criticized the anti-worker policies of the UPA-II government. They supported the demand of the BSNL workers for revival of BSNL and MTNL. They also assured that they will take up the issues with the government and wholly supported the trade union actions of the Forum.

The Convention was addressed by all the leaders of the Forum Unions ie. Com. Animesh Mitra (BSNLEU), K.Sebastin(SNEA(I), Prahlad Rai(AIBSNLEA), Suresh Kumar (BSNLMS), N.D.Ram(SEWA BSNL), K.Jayapraksh(FNTO) S.V.S.Subrahmanyam (BTEU) and others who supported the Draft Declaration presented by the Convener. The Convention unanimously adopted the Declaration presented in the house. The Convention also called upon the circle and SSA leaders to hold similar conventions at their level.

The National Convention was a big success in mobilizing the workers and propagating the demands on revival of BSNL and improving the services.

As per the decision of the Forum, State level conventions were held in most of the states.

Parliament Members approached in support of BSNL Revival

After the Forum leaders  contacted them many Members of Parliament of various parties including S/Shri Basudeb Acharya(CPM), Dr.Sanjeeva Reddy (Congress), Khagan Das (CP(I)M), P.R.Natarajan (CPIM), Gurudas Dasgupta (CPI) and others wrote to the Prime Minister and Communications Minister on the revival of BSNL. Questions in the Parliament were also raised by some of these MPs.

Closure of Telegraph Services – Protest by Forum

The Government and the BSNL Management decided to close the centuries old Telegraph Services w.e.f. 15th July 2013, stating that there is no business and it is in loss. The Forum strongly opposed this move and demanded that at least the services should continue in major cities. The Convener Forum Com. V.A.N.Namboodiri visited Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata  Telegraph Offices, held meetings, collected the number of existing telegrams and other particulars and demanded the BSNL Management and Government not to close down Telegrams services, stating that still people are using the same. Press Statements were issued. However, the BSNL Management closed the services on 15th July itself as announced. The demand of the Forum to open a Museum was accepted and the Forum was informed in writing that a Telegraph Museum has been established in Kolkata. (To be continued)

Meeting with CMD BSNL on ‘Save BSNL Campaign’

09 Thursday Jul 2015

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Com.VAN Namboodiri, Founder Convener of Forum of BSNL Unions/Associations met Shri Anupam Shrivastava, CMD BSNL on 8th July 2015 and discussed about the methods to be adopted in improving the services and strengthening the finances. He stated that continued efforts are being made to get the allotted Rs. 1,250 crores from the DOT and the refund of the Spectrum charges from the government. Com.V.A.N.Namboodiri met the Member (Finance), DOT Ms. Annie Moraes  and impressed upon her the urgency of releasing the Rs. 1,250 crores in lieu of ADC for the year 2012-13 at the earliest and paid to BSNL to purchase equipment. She stated that the matter is under active process.

 

Struggles by Workers to Defend and Save BSNL : 2004 – 2015 ( 24 )

09 Thursday Jul 2015

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

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2013

Agitation programmes

The meeting of the Forum held on 24th January 2013 discussed about the long pending issues like 78.2% IDA fixation, ITS repatriation, 30% fitment/ 5 increments for post-2007 recruited employees, procurement of equipment, formation of BBNL and its adverse impact etc. The following programmes of action were decided.

  1. Savingram to Secretary DOT on 28 – 30 January. The following savingram to be sent to Secretary, DOT by SSA Secretaries with copy to CMD BSNL and Minister of Communications:

DEMAND IMMEDIATE IMPLEMENTATION OF AGREEMENT ON 78.2% IDA MERGER”

  1. Lunch Hour Demonstration on 11th February 2013
  2. Dharna on 15th February 2013 at SSA level.

These programmes were effectively implemented.

Child Care Leave order issued by BSNL

Consequent to  the sustained efforts of the Forum, the orders on Child Care Leave was issued on 08-03-2013. It was a very great relief to the women officials.

ITS Repatriation Case Filed by BSNLEU, SNEA(I) and AIBSNLEA

The above organizations filed case against the order of the government granting permanent  deputation to BSNL to ITS officers on the same day after they were repatriated to DOT as per the High Court Order. This was in fact a clear violation of the High Court judgment.

Memorandum to the GoM on Revival of BSNL

In the meantime, the Government of India appointed a Group of Ministers (GoM) with Shri P.Chidambaram, Finance Minister, as Chairman to suggest means and ways to revive BSNL and MTNL. This was similar to the appointment of the Sam Pitroda Committee in 2010, which only recommended measures which will weaken the BSNL/MTNL, like VRS for one lakh employees, Disinvestment of 30% shares etc. Appointment of the present GoM was also on the same line.

Despite this back ground, the Forum of BSNL Unions/Associations gave a detailed Memorandum to the Chairman of the GoM with the following suggestions, proposals.

  1. Management of BSNL should belong to the company, not on deputation
  2. No Disinvestment in BSNL
  3. No VRS in BSNL
  4. Compensation for rural services.
  5. Procurement mechanism for equipment for expansion
  6. Refund of BWA Spectrum charges
  7. Reimbursement of Licence Fe
  8. Exemption from payment to USO Fund contribution
  9. Exemption for BSNL from payment towards additional spectrum
  10. Providing Services to Central/state Governments, PSUs, Banks etc.
  11. Refund of interest on notional loan of Rs. 7,500 crore.
  12. Transfer of assets and making land bank for commercial utilization
  13. Revival of telecom Factories.
  14. Compensation for cable damage for the work executed by government agencies.
  15. Compensation for Telegraph services.
  16. Abolition of Telephone Advisory Committees(TAC)

A detailed introduction on the growth and development of telecommunications in India was also given as introductory remarks.

The Memorandum was signed by Comrades V.A.N.Namboodiri, Convener, Forum, P.Abhimanyu (BSNLEU), Suresh Kumar(BSNLMS), Prahlad Rai(AIBSNLEA), K.Sebastin (SNEA(I), S.P.Sharma (BSNLWRU), K.Jayaprakash(FNTO), R.Raveendran(SEWA BSNL), Chandeshwar Singh (NFTE), S.C.Gaur(BSNLOA), P.Andiappan (FNTOBEA), Hari Singh (BTU), R.Venkatraman (TEPU), R.K.Kohli(NFTBE), S.V.S.Subrahmanyam(BTEU) and S.D.Sharma (ATM).

The copy was sent to the Prime Minister and concerned ministers also. Though Forum requested for a hearing, no such meeting took place. This showed the casual attitude of the GoM to the important suggestions placed by the Forum.

Action Pogrammes

Since there was acute delay in settlement of the issues raised by the Forum, the meeting of the Forum held on 9th May 2013 decided to organize further programme of action, including strike as shown below;

  1. Demonstration at SSA level on 22-05-2013
  2. Dharna at SSA level on 05-06-2013
  3. Indefinite Strike from 12-06- 2013.

It was also decided to issue an Appeal to the workers calling them to fully make the strike successful. The Strike Notice was issued on 17th May 2013. It was signed by Comrades V.A.N.Namboodiri, Convener, Forum, P.Abhimanyu(BSNLEU), Suresh Kumar(BSNLMS), S.C.Gaur(BSNLOA), (NFTE), K.Sebastin(SNEA(I), K.Jayaprakash(FNTO), R.Raveendran (SEWA BSNL), Prahlad Rai(AIBSNLEA), R.K.Ram(BTU BSNL), Gajendra Kumar(BTEU), R.Venkatraman (TEPU), R.K.Kohli(NFTBE), P.Andiappan(FNTOBEA), S.P.Sharma(WRU) and S.D.Sharma (ATM). The appeal was also signed by all these unions.

In preparation for the strike, the meeting of the Forum held on 06-06-2013 decided to organize Lunch Hour Demonstrations on 11-06-2013, issue press release and hold a Press Conference on 10-06-2013 and also meet the Secretary BRPSE, since the 78.2% was referred unnecessarily to BRPSE.

All the programmes before the 12th June Strike were effectively implemented.

Orders on 78.2% IDA Fixation and call off of Indefinite Strike from 12-06-2013

Seeing the full preparations for the  Indefinite Strike, BSNL Management and DOT moved fast.  They were delaying the issue of orders on 78.2% on which agreement was made one year back on the eve of strike from 13th June 2012.  The orders on 78.2% IDA fixation was approved by the DOT on 10th June 2013  and orders issued on the same day by BSNL.  This was a great achievement, considering the fact that BSNL was in loss and was facing severe financial crisis.

The Forum met on 11th June 2013 and after review of the entire situation, including the issue of orders on 78.2% IDA fixation, decided to call off the Indefinite Strike given notice of from 12th June. The decision for the withdrawal of the strike was conveyed to the CMD BSNL signed by all the unions on 11th June itself. A Circular was also issued congratulating the workers for their determination and full preparation for the strike which compelled the DOT and BSNL management to issue the orders.

The Meeting of the Forum held on 13th June 2013, seriously discussed about the revival of BSNL and decided that serious campaign amongst employees as also the people should be organized to give wide propaganda. Accordingly it was planned to hold an All India Convention at Delhi followed by Circle/SSA Conventions within the next three months. Forum demanded the Management to regularly conduct the Works Committee meetings to discuss development and expansion with the Unions. The Forum also formed a Core Committee with Comrade V.A.N.nambooiri(Convener), P.Abhimanyu(BSNLEU), K.Sebastin(SNEA(I), C.Singh(NFTE), Prahlad Rai(AIBSNLEA), K.Jayaprakash(FNTO) and N.D.Ram(SEWA BSNL) to meet urgently and implement decisions. (To be continued)