Protest against abolition of ADC – Demonstration on 03-04-2008

The TRAI has been reducing the ADC, which is to be collected from the private telecom companies and  to be given to BSNL for loss making village connections as per the assurance of the government at the time of corporatization, year after year and the same was completely stopped from 01-04-2008 on the pressure from the private operators. This will seriously and adversely affect the financial viability of BSNL. Hence the Joint Forum strongly protested the TRAI decision and organized protest demonstration on 3^rd April 2008 all over India, demanding restoration of ADC.

Merger of 50% with Pay – IDA Lunch Hour demonstrations on 13-05-2008

Even after  the IDA crossed 50%, the same was not merged with pay as required. As per the call of the Joint Forum, Lunch Hour demonstrations were held on 13-05-2008 in all SSAs/Circles/Corporate Office demanding immediate merger of IDA.

Meeting with Secretary DOT on 22-05-2008

The Joint Forum leaders met Secretary DoT, Shri Sidharth Behura on 22-05-2008 and discussed the following issues:

1. ITS Absorption: The delay in absorption was mentioned by the Joint Forum leaders. Secretary, DOT replied that the Cabinet Note has been returned with some queries. The matter will be seriously pursued.
2. BSNL’s Pension Contribution (60%-40% issue): DoT agreed with the Joint Forum that such conditions are not necessary. He stated that a Cabinet Note on the same is approved by the Minister and will be submitted to the cabinet.
3. Restoration of ADC: Secretary DOT stated that DOT is taking action for changing the guide lines of the USO Fund to give financial assistance to BSNL to the tune of Rs. 2,000 crore per annum, as has been recommended by TRAI, in lieu of ADC.
4. Navaratna Status to BSNL: The JF leaders expressed their concerns in the delay in awarding Navaratna status to BSNL. Secretary DOT stated that DPE has already recommended and the issue is waiting for the final decision of the apex body.
5. Allotment of 3G Spectrum to BSNL: Joint Forum demanded that BSNL should be allotted 3G Spectrum on priority basis as has already been issued by the Communications Minister. Secretary DOT stated that as per the assurance, BSNL will be allotted with one slot in the 3G spectrum.
6. Delay in 50% IDA Merger: The JF leaders drew the attention of the secretary DOT to the undue delay in issuing the orders on the IDA merger by BSNL even after the approval by DOT. Secretary DOT assured that he will speak to CMD BSNL.

Meeting with CMD BSNL on 27-05-2008 on future of BSNL

Com. V.A.N.Namboodiri, Convener, JF along with representatives of 13 unions / associations in BSNL met CMD BSNL, Shri Kuldeep Goyal on 27-05-2008.

At the outset, the Convener expressed JF’s grave concern over  the undue delay in the supply of GSM equipments, due to which BSNL is unable to provide new connections and also the quality of services of the BSNL is sharply coming down. Market Share of BSNL has sharply declined from 47.69% as on 31-03-2005 to 24.74 as on 31-03-2008. Immediate purchase of GSM equipment is required.

3 Days Dharna from 28-05-1008 demanding 50% Merger of IDA  from 01-01-2007

The Central government issued orders for merger of 50% DA to its employees from 01-04-2004. The merger of CPSUs were decided by the government w.e.f. 01-01-2007. Despite this decision, the BSNL management did not issue the orders. A lunch hour demonstration was held on 13-05-2008 as per the call of the Joint Forum demanding immediate orders. The management wanted the unions to agree for 10% disinvestment, VRS, delay in wage negotiation, Promotion Policy etc. which were completely unjust and unfair. The meeting of the Joint Forum with the CMD BSNL on 27-05-2008 could not settle the issue. Hence the JF decided to organize Dharna on 28-05-2008 at all SSAs/Circle/C.O.

The Dharna was well participated and gave a strong message to the management that the workers will not surrender their rights or cow down before threats.

In Delhi in front of the Corporate Office, more than 500 comrades participated, which was inaugurated on 28-05-2008, by Com. Basudeb Acharya, Member of Parliament and senior CPI(M) leader. It was addressed by all the leaders of the union including Convener, JF, Com. V.A.N.Namboodiri.

Meeting with Minister on 29-05-2008

The Communications Minister Shri A.Raja called the Joint Forum for discussion, in which he directed the BSNL Management to issue orders on the IDA merger. BSNL issued the orders on the same day. Hence the dharna was deferred. The joint struggle of the workers has won on the spot.

Demonstrations against VRS and disinvestment proposal of BSNL, as also for grant of Navaratna status for 50% Merger of DA, 5 promotions etc. on 2^nd June 2008.

Meeting was held with Secretary, DOT on 22-05-2008, in which the issue of restoration of ADC, Absorption of ITS in BSNL, Navaratna status for BSNL, allotment of 3G Spectrum to BSNL, fresh tender of 45.5 million and 93 million tender for mobile equipment were raised. Though some assurances were issued, the government was going on with its agenda.

As such, the joint Forum in its meeting on 31-05-2008 decided to organize demonstrations on 02-06-2008 and wearing of black badges while in the office.

Demonstration and Black Badge wearing on 02-06-2008

The programme was organized successfully. The call had its impact.

Demonstration against merger ITI with BSNL on 29-07-2008.

In between, the government was proposing merger of ITI with BSNL. As per decision of Joint Forum, massive demonstrations were organised at SSA/Circle/C.O. on 29-07-2008 against the merger since, ITI was loss making, it was a manufacturing PSU while BSNL is a service provider etc. (12,500 employees in ITI, where even the payment of salary was in difficulty). Convener JF met the ITI leaders and convinced the ITI unions our stand on opposing the merger. JF sent a detailed letter on our opposition to the merger to the Communications Minister on 16-07-2008.

The Joint Forum strongly opposed the purchase hundreds of vehicles for ITS officers, when the company was facing financial crunch. It exposed the unnecessary expenditure from the meager finance of BSNL.

Since the ITS absorption was being delayed, the joint Forum demanded repatriation of BSNL executives and non-executives back to DOT through a letter to the Secretary DOT on 17-09-2008. The JF also demanded that immediate action should be taken to finalise the 95 million mobile tender.(To be continued)

2008

All India Protest Day observed on 21^st January 2008

BSNL workers as per the call of the Joint Forum observed the All India Protest Day by wearing black badges and demonstrating in front of BSNL offices and exchanges. Hundreds of workers participated in these demonstrations warning the management of the ensuing strike if the demands raised by the Joint Forum are not settled.

Com. V.A.N.Namboodiri, Convener, Joint Forum, addressed letters 0n 14-01-2008 to Dr. Manmohan Singh, Prime Minister, Shri Santosh Mohan Deb,  Minister of State, Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises and Shri A.Raja Communications Minister on the urgency of settling the issues and seeking for a meeting.

Meeting with CMD on 23-01-2008

On the basis of the letter dated 23-01-2008 from the Forum, a meeting was held with Shri Kuldip Goyal, CMD BSNL and discussed the following issues:

Immediate purchase of equipments, restoration of ADC to BSNL which was discontinued from 2008-2009, early payment of USOF, Modernisation and increasing productivity of Telecom Factories, regular functioning of the Works Committee at SSAs, providing broadband connections without delay, increasing of marketing, eliminating wastage and corruption etc.

Joint Forum calls for Indefinite Strike from 26-02-2008 against Disinvestment

As per the decision of the Joint Forum the strike notice was served on 24^th January 2008.The demands of the strike included (1) Drop IPO/Disinvestment proposal in BSNL (2) Wihdraw proposal for VRS in BSNL (3) Withdraw DOT’s arbitrary order dated 15-06-2006 on BSNL’s pension Contribution (4) Ensure uninterrupted supply of 2G and 3G equipments, additional 2G spectrum as well as 3G spectrum as agreed earlier (5) Ensure BSNL’s financial viability by continuing ADC, Reimbursement of Licence Fee and USO Fund (6) Grant  Navaratna status to BSNL and (8) Immediate absorption of ITS. The strike notice  issued on 24-01-2008 was signed by V.A.N.Namboodiri (BSNLEU), M.B.Vichare(NFTE BSNL), K.Vallinayagam(FNTO), G.L.Jogi (SNEA(I), K.Sathyanarayan (AIBSNLEA), V.Subburaman(TEPU), V.Narayana (BSNLMS), S.P.Sharma(BSNLWRU), V.R.Venugopal(BTEU), A.D.Patil(AIBCTES), R.S.Yadav(ATM), Hari Singh (BTU) and Subhash Gaur(BSNLOA). Wide publicity was given to the strike through issue of pamphlets, press statements and wall posters etc.

Discussion with Secretary, DOT on the Strike issues

On the basis of the strike notice issued by the Joint Forum, a meeting was called by Secretary, DOT Shri Sidharth Behura on 19-02-2008, in which CMD BSNL Shri Kuldeep Goyal was also present. Com.V.A.N.Namboodiri, Convener, JF and other leaders explained the demands of the strike. The outcome of the deliberation in brief was the following:

1. Disinvestment of BSNL: There is no immediate proposal for IPO. Minister has also issued a press release on this.
2. VRS proposal: If the BSNL employees do not want VRS, no such scheme will be introduced.
3. Withdrawal of DOT’s Arbitrary orders on Pension (60% – 40%): The matter will be taken up with Cabinet.
4. Uninterrupted supply of 2G, 3G spectrum: This will be given preference. BSNL will be allotted 3G spectrum.
5. Ensure BSNL’s Financial viability: DOT Secretary stated that Cabinet Note is under circulation and assured discussion with Minister and appropriate action will be taken for the same.
6. Navaratna Status to BSNL: DPE shall forward the case for grant of Navaratna status to BSNL for consideration by apex body.
7. Immediate absorption of group A Officers: Matter is under active consideration of DOT. Draft Cabinet Note is under preparation and the final note will be prepared within 15-20 days.

To a question in the Parliament, the Minister of State for Communications & IT Shri Shakeel Ahmed stated on 28-02-2008 that the government is not considering disinvestment of BSNL.

Move to impose Voluntary Retirement Scheme (VRS)

Shri A.K.Sinha, then outgoing CMD BSNL, told to the media on 31-07-2007 that the management is proposing to bring in VRS to send out 20,000 employees. This was strongly opposed by the Joint Forum and a protest letter was sent to the CMD against the proposal.

Protest Demonstration on 9^th August 2007 against VRS

The BSNL employees organized massive demonstrations on 09-08-2007 protesting against the proposed VRS and demanding that the proposal be scrapped.

Meeting with CMD on 10-08-2007

The newly appointed CMD, Shri Kuldeep Goyal met the leaders of the Joint Forum on 10-08-2007. The main issue was the proposal for VRS for 20,000 employees, which the Unions strongly opposed. The CMD assured that no VRS will be implemented without discussing with the unions.

Issues taken with DOT

The following issues were  taken up by the Joint Forum with DOT/ Government during the period:

1. Grant of Navaratna status to BSNL.
2. Cancellation of orders on pension directing BSNL to pay 40% to government, if the total amount paid by BSNL to DOT is less than 60% of the total pension amount.
3. National Telecom Policy
4. Increase in Minimum Bonus to Rs. 10,000.

National Seminar  of BSNL Employees on 7^th September 2007

As per the decision of the Joint Forum of BSNL Unions/Associations, a successful National Convention of BSNL employees was organized on 7^th September 2007 at a large pandal erected at the Eastern Court premises, New Delhi. More than 600 delegates from all parts of the country participated.

A presidium consisting of Coms. K.Vallinayagam (FNTO), J.N.Mishra(BSNLEU), R.N.Pande (NFTE), A.A.Khan (SNEA), K.Satyanarayana (AIBSNLEA), S.S.Tomar (BSNLMS), S.P.Shrivastava (TEPU), M.C.Sharma(BSNLWRU), Hari Singh (BTU BSNL), D.P.Patwa(AIBCTES), R.S.Yadav(BSNLATM) and Dhiraj Choudhary (SNATTA) conducted the proceedings.

Com. V.A.N.Namboodiri, GS BSNLEU and Convener, Joint Forum, welcomed all, especially the delegation of Confederation of South Korean Trade Unions, which was visiting India and attended the Convention. The leader of the delegation Com. Lee Sukhaeng greeted and congratulated the unions for the sustained fight against privatization. Convener spoke about the present situation of BSNL and the tasks ahead.

Coms. M.K.Pandhe, President, CITU, Sitaram Yechury, M.P., Gurudas Dasgupta, M.P & General Secretary AITUC, Harish Rawat, M.P., C.Kuppusamy, M.P. and other trade union leaders addressed the convention and congratulated the BSNL workers for their struggle to save BSNL and conveyed their support and solidarity for the struggle.

Comrades M.B.Vichare (NFTE), M.R.Vasisht (FNTO), Swapan Chakraborty (BSNLEU), S.L.Reddy(SNEA), Prahlad Rai (AIBSNLEA), Suresh Kumar (BSNLMS), V.Subburaman (TEPU), Raj Kishore (BSNLWRU), Hari Singh (BTU BSNL) and A.D.Patil (AIBCTES) also addressed the Convention.

The Declaration of the   National Convention on the demands and agitational programmes to strengthen the BSNL and provide a better service to the people was presented by Convener Com. V.A.N.Namboodiri and unanimously adopted by the house. The Convention called upon the workers to continue the struggle and to organize effective campaign and also to organize one day long dharna at circle level on 11^th October 2007.

Declaration of National Convention (to be typed/pasted)

The Reception Committee headed by Coms. A.A.Khan and R.S.Chouhan etc. made all the arrangements in a very effective manner.

Dharna by BSNL Workers on 11-10-2007

As per the call of the Joint Forum, massive dharnas were organized on 11^th October 2007 in all SSAs protesting against the undue delay in procuring GSM lines, Non-grant of Navaratna status to BSNL, Absorption of Group A/ITS officers and pension issues.

In Delhi, the dharna  was organized in front of Corporate Office, Bharat Sanchar Bhawan, participated by hundreds of workers.  Coms. V.A.N.Namboodiri, Convener, Forum & GS BSNLEU, K.Vallinayagam (FNTO), M.B.Vichare (NFTE), Prahlad Rai (AIBSNLEA), Thomas John(FNTO), A.A.Khan(SNEA), V.Subburaman (TEPU) and other leaders addressed. Thousands of workers participated in the dharnas at Kolkata, Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Thiruvananthapuram, Chandigarh, Ahmedabad, Lucknow, Patna etc.

Joint Forum protests proposal of 20% IPO/ Disinvestment  in BSNL

Reacting to the proposal of 20% IPO /Disinvestment in BSNL by the Government, the Joint Forum immediately issued a Press Statement on 25-11-2007, opposing the same and cautioning the government that the workers will go on agitation, if any such move is initiated.

Joint Forum meets Secretary DOT on 26^th November 2007

Leaders of the Joint Forum met Shri D.S.Mathur, Secretary, DOT on 26-11-2007 and discussed important issues like ITS Absorption, Allotment of additional 2G spectrum as well as 3G spectrum, grant of Navaratna status to BSNL, opposition to 20% IPO in BSNL and bonus for DOT employees. Coms. V.A.N.Namboodiri, Convener, JF and representatives of BSNLEU, SNEA, FNTO, AIBSNLEA, NFTE, BSNLMS and TEPU participated.

Since the government was moving with the disinvestment ( IPO)proposal  of BSNL , the Joint Forum urgently met on 15^th January 2008 and decided to organize agitational programmes against the same. It was decided to observe an All India Protest Day on 21^st January 2008 by wearing black badges and conducting demonstrations at Circle/District /Branch levels. (To be continued)

2006

Negotiations with Secretary DOT on 4^th January 2006.

At the last moment, when the Joint Forum was meeting at about 07.30 PM on 4^th January 2005 , just four hours before the start of the strike in the night of 4/5^th January 2006, the Secretary DOT called the unions for a meeting. The Joint Forum, which was in session authorized Com. V.A.N.Namboodiri, General Secretary, BSNLEU & Convener, JF, to conduct the negotiation, since it was felt that the last minute discussions were only meant to confuse and delay matters. The Communications Minister was abroad and the State Minister out of Delhi. After protracted discussion, the Secretary DOT gave written assurances as below:

Yashwant Bhave, Additional Secretary, Department of Telecommunications dated 04-01-2006

Dear Shri Sinha,

Mr. V.A.N.Namboodiri, General Secretary of the BSNL Employees Union met Secretary (Telecom) today on behalf of the Joint Forum and expressed the following concern to him in connection with the notice of the strike given by the union.

1. Disinvestment in Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd.
2. Unbundling of the local loop.
3. Grant of Navaratna status to BSNL
4. Views of the Union in connection with the proposed Telecom Policy

The Secretary has assured Mr. Namboodiri as under:

1. That there is no proposal regarding disinvestment in Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd.
2. That unbundling of the local loop is not under consideration
3. That all efforts will be made towards obtaining the Navaratna Status toBSNL.
4. That the views of the Union will be duly considered as and when the draft Telecom Policy is formulated.

Yours

(sd)

Yashwant Bhave

To

Shri A.K.Sinha,

CMD BSNL,

Statesman House,

Connaught Circus,

New Delhi- 110001

Copy to

Shri V.A.N.Namboodiri, General Secretary, BSNL Employees Union

Strike Deferred on assurance from Secretary, DOT

The written assurances given by the Secretary, DOT were discussed by the Joint Forum which was in session and which unanimously decided to defer strike on the basis of the assurances.

Unity Strengthened, Gun Powder Kept Dry

The assurances given were very important, since for the first time, it was made clear that there is no proposal for disinvestment. The Navaratna status was assured. It was also assured that there is no proposal to unbundle the last mile copper cables of BSNL. The unions will be consulted on National Telecom Policy -2005. These written assurances were a big victory for the BSNL workers. The workers all over the country were jubilant that the Joint Forum has been able to get such vital assurances. The Joint Forum congratulated the workers whose determination and preparation for the strike compelled the government to come to the negotiating table and give assurances.

Protest Demonstration on 1^st March 2006 against reduction in ADC and changing of connectivity charges to Revenue Sharing Scheme for Private Telecom Operators.

The TRAI, the telecom regulator, once again showed its partiality to the private telecom operators by drastically reducing the Access Deficit Charges (ADC) to be paid by them to BSNL for providing loss making connections in rural areas, which are financially unviable, but socially essential to fulfill the commitment of the government for universal service.

Instead of calculating the ADC on the basis of the period of talk (per minute) for STD and local calls as earlier, the procedure for payment of ADC is calculated as only 1.55% of the Adjusted Gross Revenue (AGR) which will reduce the ADC from Rs. 5300 crore to about Rs. 2,000 crore, adversely affecting the development plans of the BSNL. The ADC for the ILD (International calls) continued, but it was reduced for incoming calls from Rs. 3.20 to Rs. 1.60 and for outgoing calls from Rs. 2.50 to Rs. 0.80 per minute. These were all done to favour the private telecom companies.

Lunch Hour Demonstrations on 01-03-2006

The Joint Forum strongly opposed the same and issued a press statement. The meeting of JF also decided to agitate against the order. Lunch our demonstrations were organized on 01-03-2006 throughout the country and in front of corporate office with massive participation.