BSNL Employees Union- Kerala Circle

If any programs are being conducted by BSNLEU/JAC in kerala circle, it is requested that details of the program along with photos if any, may be mailed to venivg@gmail.com and copy to circlesecretarybsnleu@gmail.com.

Earlier, the DoT had recommended 78.2% IDA merger for pensioners and had sent it for the approval of the Dept. of Pension. A query had been raised by the Dept. of Pension, whether the approval of the Dept. of Expenditure had been obtained for this. We learn that the DoT has already replied for this query.

The Pensioners have become militant. It is clear by the massive marches organised by the All India BSNL DOT Pensioners Association (AIBDPA) today, 28th November 2013, in all the SSA HQs and also CCAs demanding settlement of the 23 Points Charter of demands. As per the reports received massive participation , was seen. BSNLEU leaders and workers also participated in most of the centres.
The BSNL authorities as also the DOT (CCAs) should ensure that the justified demands of the senior citizens who have worked their entire active life for the service of the nation should be conceded with out further delay.

As per the decision of the Jaipur central executive committee meeting of AIBDPA held on 5-6th october,2013,we have already conducted the protest day on 25th October by holding demonstrations at district/circle level and sending fax messages to the minister for communications and Secretary, DOT most successfully on the 23 point charter of demands, focusing 78.2% IDA fixation.

On the initiative of BSNLEU, the CMD, BSNL wrote a DO letter to the Secretary, DOT clarifying the exact agreement provision with regard to the arrears of 78.2% IDA fixation, since the DOT order dated 10-06-2013 has a clause which stated “no arrears will be paid”.

These developments had the desired result and the DOT approved pension revision based on 78.2% IDA merger and sent to the pension department for their approval. However the file has not been received back to DOT. BSNLEU is pursuing at the pension department for early approval.

Meanwhile we have to implement the second programme of the Jaipur CEC,march to CCA office /Circle office with maximum participation.

BSNLEU has been demanding that a new PLI formula should be framed, in consultation with the Staff Side of the National Council. In the last meeting of the National Council, it was agreed that the Secretary, Staff Side and Leader, Staff Side will be members of the Committee. Accordingly, the Committee has now been formed.

Article written by K.Mohanan Cricle Secretary, BSNLEU published in Deshabhimani daily on 2013 November 6.(click here)

The state conference held at kottayam as unanimously selected the following members as Circle Committee members of BSNLEU :

Mahila conference held on the third day of circle conference was inaugurated by Adv.K.Thulasi, Working Womens Central co-ordination committee. the conference was presided by com Krishnakumary Rajasekharan, Mahila Association State Committee. Com K.n.Jyothilekshmi delivered the welcome speech. (photos)

Com Vaikkom Viswan, CPI(M) leader and LDF convenor also addressed the conference on 08.11.13 (photo)

Today the second day of Circle conference, a send off session took place presided over by Com. P.V.Chandrasekharan, AIBDPA Circle President. Com R.Muraleedharan Nair, AGS, BSNLEU delivered the welcome speech. Com P,Abhimanyu, Secretary BSNLEU spoke on the occassion. Comrades those who have retired from service was honoured. Com M.G.S.Kurup, Com Mani Ravindran, Com P.V.Ramachandran, Com C.Sadanandan also spoke on the occasion (photos)

The evening session of first day of conference was conducted as cultural conference, which was inaugurated by Com. K E N Kunjahammad. It was presided over by CITU Dist. Secretary Com. T R Reghunadhan. Adv. K Anilkumar welcomed everyone.Com P K Premnath delivered the key address.Circle President, Secretary, AGS, Mahila Sub Committee Convenor were present. Souvenir of circle conference was presented by K E N. Leaders presented the prizes to the cultural and sports competition winners. Com. Ponnamma Thankan, Convener of cultural committee extended vote of thanks. (photos)

The circle conference of BSNL Employees Union started at Mamman Mappilai hall kottayam. Circle President Com.A V Kuriakose hoisted the flag in the presence of GS P Abhimanyu, Circle Leaders, Reception Committee Members and Delegates.

The inaugural function was started with the welcome song organized by BSNL Kala Vedi of kottayam.The function was presided by A V Kuriakose, Circle President of BSNLEU. Chairman of reception committee Com. V N Vasavan welcomed everyone. Com. M A Baby, Polit-bureau member inaugurated the function and leaders of different trade unions attended the event. (photos)

BSNL Corporate Office has issued instruction to the effect that the qualified candidates who are processing B.E., B.Tech, AMIE and M.sc (Electronics) need not undergo the pre-basic 1 and 2 trainings and can be directly sent for the Phase-1 training.

The one day strike on 25th October 2013 called for by the United Forum of BSNL Unions demanding settlement of the 30 demands included in the Charter of Demands, has now been deferred after detailed discussions with the Director (HR) BSNL and other officers.
The meeting with A.N.Rai, Director (HR) was held for about 4 hours from 1600 to 2000 hours yesterday, 18th October in which all the demands were discussed. V.A.N.Namboodiri, President, BSNLEU, P.Abhimanyu, GS BSNLEU, Suresh Kumar, GS BSNLMS and R.L.Moudgil AGS BSNLEU participated.
The meeting of United Forum held today, 19th October 2013 reviewed the entire situation and considering the advance we could make through the discussions unanimously decided to defer the strike.It thanked the workers for the best preparation for the strike which compelled the management to come for talks and settlement

7th Circle Conference Reception committee office inauguration and logo prakashanam (click here)

BSNL will be completing 13 years of its existence on 1st October 2013. It was formed on 1st October 2000 as part of the neo-liberal policy of the Government with the intention of gradually disinvesting and privatising the same. The Telecom Unions under the banner of National Action Committee led by AITEU. Class III (N) organised two successful strikes and other agitational programmes against corporatisation. Then recognised Federations, NFTE and FNTO went on strike in the last moment but made an agreement with the DOT accepting corporatisation. Thus BSNL was formed on 1st October 2000.

What happened during the last 13 years are well known to all. The company was running well and improving its position. The government and the private sector which thought that BSNL will crumble down on its own were disappointed. When they realised that BSNL is strengthening they started the operation to weaken and destabilise it. Government support on financial viability was stopped, the procurement process was destabilised and along with the same, many actions were taken to favour the private companies and against the interest of the incumbent operator, BSNL. The government decided to disinvest BSNL, but the Joint Forum by going on strike defeated the same. On the strong opposition from JF, VRS could not be implemented. But the anti-PSU policy of the government and the lethargic working of the ITS led management resulted in continued loss for the company for the last four years. The Forum of BSNL Unions/Associations is making all out efforts to pressurise the government and BSNL Management to take pro-BSNL decisions and implementation of the same. It called upon the workers to improve the customer services. The National Convention on Revival of BSNL held at New Delhi on 3rd August adopted a Declaration with proposals and suggestions for strengthening the company and for a better service to the customer. This process is continuing.

And now the 13th anniversary of the formation is coming. Let us continue our work to improve the service and pressurise the management and the Government for taking suitable decisions for strengthening the company.
Best Wishes and Greetings to all the BSNL workers on this 13th Anniversary of BSNL.

It is reported that BSNL employees will get an increase of 6.6% IDA with effect from 01-10-2013.Accordingly the total IDA from October 2013 will be 78.9 + 6.6 = 85.5%. The order is expected soon. Pensioners will also be eligible for 6.6% IDR increase. It is only a few days back that the Central government issued orders for 10% DA increase for CG employees w.e.f. July 2013. While the PSU employees get increase of IDA every three months, for the CG Employees, it is once in six months.

Dharna on 23.09.13 in front of CGM office was inaugurated by Com. V.S.Achuthanandan, Former Chief Minister. Com A.V.Kuriakose, Circle President BSNLEU presided over the function. Com.P.Asokababu, Vice President BSNLEU, Com K.Mohan, CS BSNLEU, Com Muraleedharan Nair, AGS BSNLEU, Com P.V.Chandrasekharan, AIBDPA spoke on the occassion. Dharna was a grand success. More than 300 comrades from all parts of Kerala attended the dharna with true spirit. (Photos) (paper cutting)

Cultural Programme competition will be conducted in connection with the 7th Circle Conference to be held at Kottayam from 06.11.13, 07.11.13 and 08.11.13 (details)

Convention held at Trivandrum on 23.09.13 in connection with the all india strike to be held on 25.10.13 was inaugurated by P.Asokababu, Vice President, BSNLEU. (photos)

The United Forum of BSNL Unions, which met on 24th September 2013 at BSNL MS office after detailed discussion decided to defer the strike scheduled for 27th September to 25 October 2013

The decision is consequent to the discussions held between the United Forum with the Sri A.N.Rai, Director (HR) on 17th September in which certain positive signals have been given by the management and also further discussions are to be held on 4th October. Keeping the gun powder dry and ready, we are waiting for the management to settle the issues. The workers should be prepared for the strike at short notice if the issues are not settled. We are giving the management a chance to discuss and settle the long pending issues of the workers.

Dharna on 23.09.13 in front of CGM office will be inaugurated by Com. V.S.Achuthanandan.(Notice 1) (Notice 2)

1. The employees engaged for Cable/Line maintenance will be paid @ Rs.258/- + DA
2. All other workers will be paid @ Rs.236/-+DA
3. EPF and ESI will be implemented.
4. Work less than 4 hours will be treated as part time and ESI & EPF will be implemented
5. Payment of Bonus will be considered and provision will be included in the Tender
6. ID card certified by BSNL officer will be issued
7. The system of Work Contract will not be implemented at present.

This is the first time that a uniform wage structure has been implemented throughout the state and there will not be any victimization against the workers participated in the strike.

Dharna on 21.08.13, 22.08.13 and 23.08.13 (3 days) in front of CGM/GM offices for early settlement of pending demands of united forum (Notice)

JAO Examination - Letter to CGM to publish the result of balance vacancies of JAO examination (click here)

BSNL Corporate Office, vide it’s letter no. BSNL/7-9/SR/2013 has given direction to all the CGMs of BSNL not to allow demonstration, dharna strike and other forms of protests in BSNL premises. The letter says that such protests can be held only in a designated place. This is nothing but an attempt to stifle the voice of the trade union movement in BSNL. The order of the Corporate Office unfailingly reminds us of the dark days of emergency, promulgated by Smt. Indira Gandhi. We cannot allow such restrictions. We have expressed our protest to the CMD BSNL. We hope he will take appropriate decision.

BSNL is to enter into an agreement with two state owned telecom companies of Bangladesh, viz., Bangladesh Telecommunications Co. Ltd (BTCL) and Bangladesh Subamarine Cable Co. Ltd (BSCCL), to establish optical fibre cable connectivity between India and Bangladesh. This decision is taken in a meeting held at Dhaka on 30.07.2013, between the govt. officials of the two countries. As per reports, BSNL plans to lease nearly 100 gigabytes of international bandwidth from the two Bangladeshi companies, to route a chunk of it’s overseas call and data traffic. This agreement will reduce BSNL’s dependence on Tata Communications for routing it’s international traffic.

BSNLEU has long been demanding that the Recruitment Rules for the cadres of TM, TTA, JTO and JAO should be amended, so that the many restrictions that are existing in the RRs, and that are creating road blocks for more number of officials appearing the examinations, can be removed. In the discussions that the GS and AGS had with the GM (Estt.), on 25.07.2013, it was agreed to look into the amendments.

Officiating arrangement in the grade of JAO restored - Letter issued by Corporate Office (click here)

BSNL Management has withdrawn the 163 year old telegram service , unmindful of the stiff opposition from BSNL Employees Union. BSNLEU strongly condemns the action of the Management, since it did not even consider review of the decision, based on the suggestions given by the Union. BSNLEU equally condemns the UPA government, since it gave green signal to BSNL Management, for closing down the telegram service, without having any regard for the common man who requires the service.

DPE has issued order for IDA revision. DA increase will be 4.0% with effect from 01.07.2013. The new rate of DA will be 78.9%.(click here)

Corporate Office has issued order, granting Hard Area Allowance to Lakshadweep. This demand has long been pressed upon by BSNLEU. (click here)

CMD appeal to all BSNL employees to contribute "one day pay" to the Prime Minister Relief Fund for helping the people affected by the Uttarakhand disaster. (Appeal-click here)

4% IDA increase from July 2013

As per the calculations IDA will increase 4% w.e.f. 1st July 2013. The total IDA will come to 74.9 + 4.0 = 78.9%. This will be applicable to pensioners also. Orders are yet to be issued.

Dept. of Posts to start Banks

The Department of Posts have applied to the Reserve bank of India for licence to start full-fledged banking services. The proposal is to start 50 branches in the first year to be increased to 150 branches in five years. Communications Minister Kapil Sibal stated that this proposal will bring banking to the door step of the ordinary man. However, the proposal will have to be approved by the Cabinet. If the proposal is accepted, the Postal Department will be entering a vast arena which will strengthen it.

Result of JAO Part II Internal Competitive examination against 40% quota held from 17.12.12 to 19.12.12 (covering letter) (Result)

BSNL signs International agreements

R.K.Upadhyaya, CMD, BSNL has stated that BSNL has signed international agreements with telecom service providers in Bahrain, Guinea and Saudi Arabia. He also stated that already presence of BSNL is there and the agreements are made to strengthen it. It is a good news that BSNL is also going global.

Roaming Charges reduced by 30% from July 2013

The TRAI has proposed earlier that the roaming charges for mobiles will be completely removed. But there was strong opposition from the private telecom companies that the complete withdrawal will result in huge loss to them and that rates will have to be increased.

Yesterday, the TRAI has announced that there will be no complete withdrawal of roaming charges. Instead, it is decided to reduce the roaming charges by about 30% from the existing rates. Accordingly the outgoing local calls will be charged Re.1 and outgoing STD calls Rs. 1.5 per minute. For incoming calls. For incoming roaming calls, the charge will be Re.0.75 per minute.

PRIVATE TELCOS INCREASE MOBILE CALL RATES

Reliance has increased the rates for mobile calls to 2 paise per second from the present 1.5 paise for both the CDMA and GSM pre-paid connections. Vodafone, Airtel , Idea Cellular and Tata Teleservices have already raised the rates to 2 paise months back. The charges are being increased, according to the companies, to avoid losses. Within no time, all private players may increase the rates. Now that they have about 86% of the market share together, they need not be worried, while increasing rates.

Such more moves are expected in the future. If the PSUs, BSNL and MTNL were in a better position, these private companies would never have dared to increase the rates. BSNL and MTNL continues with the 1 paise per one second.

Massive lunch hour demonstrations were held before BSNL offices all over the circle demanding implementation of assurance and strike agreement on 78.2 per cent IDA fixation. This is the first programme planned by the Forum of BSNL Unions culminating in indefinite Strike from 12th June 2013.

Notice for Indefinite Strike will be served on 17th May.

The Forum of BSNL Unions / Associations will be serving the notice for strike w.e.f. 12th June 2013 demanding immediate implementation of the Strike Agreement on 78.2% IDA fixation tomorrow, 17th May. In preparation for the strike Demonstrations will be held on 22nd May and Dharnas on 5th June at SSA levels.

The inordinate delay of about one year after the agreement is intolerable and untenable. Workers have to express their strong protest through complete participation in all the agitational programmes and indefinite strike.

BSNL to form new company for hiving towers

It is reported that BSNL is planning to hive of its 70,000 and odd mobile towers in to a separate company and share the infrastructure with private companies. This is said to be to increase its revenue. In the same way BSNL is proposing to hive its land bank assets also. there are about 4,400 hectares of BSNL land mainly in the heart of the cities and towns. Corporates are very much interested in getting these priceless assets for lease or purchase. Details of the proposals are not known. BSNL may be directed by DOT to construct about 3,000 mobile towers in the North-East and naxal affected areas of 7 states. The USOF is expected to allot about Rs.3,000 crore for this purpose. the Government is yet to take the decision.

FORUM TAKES DECISION TO GO ON INDEFINITE STRIKE, DEMANDING IMMEDIATE SETTLEMENT OF 78.2% IDA MERGER.

The meeting of the Forum, which took place today the 09-05-2013, has taken the historic decision to go on indefinite strike, demanding the immediate settlement of 78.2% IDA merger. The issue of 78.2% IDA merger was sent to the approval of DoT. However, the DoT, instead of giving it's approval, has referred the matter to the BRPSE ( Board For Reconstruction of Public Sector Undertakings).This is nothing but putting 78.2% IDA merger in the cold storage.

Reliance Communications has increased it’s mobile phone tariff by over 20%, w.e.f. 04.05.2013. It is pertinent to mention that only in October last Reliance Communications raised it’s tariff by 25%, i.e., from 1.2 paise per second to 1.5 paise per second. Following Reliance Communications, other private operators are also expected to raise their call charges.

Corporate Office letter on method of Pay fixation in IDA Pay scale in respect of absorbed officials of BSNL who were promoted prior to 01.10.2000 but opted under FR 22(1)(a)(i) for fixation of their pay in the promoted scale on the date of their next increment in the lower grade which falls after 01.10.2000. (click here)

Central Employees Demand VII CPC

The Central government employees have demanded for VII Central Pay Commission for effecting next wage revision. The demand has been jointly raised by the All India Railwaymen Federation (AIRF), Confederation of Central Govt. Employees and Workers and All India Defence Employees Federation (AIDEF). These organisations have jointly called for massive demonstrations on 29th April 2013 on the demand of VII CPC and Withdrawal of PFRDA Bill.

In the 5^th Verification BSNLEU had won in 23 circles. However, in the 6^th Verification, BSNLEU has won in 28 circles. This time BSNLEU has won in 5 more circles where it lost last time.

v Compared to the last verification, BSNLEU has increased its percentage of votes from 46.57 to 48.6, i.e., BSNLEU has increased it’s share of votes by 2.03%.

v NFTE’s percentage of votes has reduced from 34.96 to 30.28, i.e., NFTE’s share of votes is reduced by 4.68%.

v FNTO’s percentage of votes has reduced from 7.38 to 6.89, i.e., FNTO’s vote share is reduced by 0.49%.

v As per the results of this verification, BSNLEU gets the status of Main Recognised Representative Union.

v NFTE gets the status of Second Recognised Representative Union.

v FNTO and BTEU BSNL will get Limited Trade Union Facilities.

Dear Comrades and Friends,
Voting for the 6th referendum concluded peacefully in Kerala. The United forum and BSNL Employees Union Kerala circle extend our sincere thanks to all the BSNL employees of kerala Circle.

On 15^th February, 2013, Hon’ble Delhi High Court ordered that ITS repatriation should be completed

within six weeks. Thereafter, DoT has filed another petition in the Hon’ble Delhi High Court. After

repatriating the ITS officers as per Hon’ble court order, again DoT wants to bring them back on

deputation for 10 years, as per the decision of the Cabinet. Hon’ble Court rejected this petition of the

BSNL has finally replied to the queries raised by the DoT, on the matter of 78.2% IDA fixation. The reply was sent to the DoT last Friday. If DoT makes further delay in the approval of the case, then the Forum will take decision for appropriate trade union action.

Strike was fully successful. Almost all of the exchanges/offices remain closed. CGM office/All PGM/GMs offices were fully closed. Congratulations to all comrades who made the strike a great event. Strike will continue till 21.02.2013 at 12.00AM. (Photos)

Towards the Historic 48 Hours National Strike on 20-21 February 2013!

The working class in India is moving towards one of the biggest strike action the country has ever seen. About 10-12 crores of workers, 10% of the total people, will be on complete strike for 48 hours from 24.00 / 00.00 hours on the mid-night of 19th / 20th to midnight of 21st / 22nd February 2013 protesting against price-rise, anti-worker policies and demanding the basic demands of the workers. The demands are fully justified and have been raised years back. The government did not take any action. Even in the discussion in the last moment, yesterday, the government did not assure anything, but only requested for withdrawal of the strike, which the union leaders naturally declined.

It is the duty of each and every worker to stand strong with the strike, fully participate and give a strong message to the government that unless the demands are met the struggle will continue by the workers. The government should be taught a tough lesson for ignoring the fully justified demands of the workers.
This is going to be another fierce battle like the workers waged in 1946 and 1974,

March forward with determination to the great struggle, the 48 hours Strike!

Dharna was held in front of PGM office Trivandrum by Joint Forum demanding immediate issue of 78.2% IDA order. Com PV Chandrasekharan inaugurated the dharna. Com Muraleedharan Nair (AGS, BSNLEU), Com K.Mohan (CS, BSNLEU), Com Santhosh Kumar (SNEA), Com Abraham (SNEA) and Com Syamkumar (AIBSNLEA) Spoke on the occassion (Photos)

Delhi High Court has dismissed BSNL's petition on ITS repatriation. Directed to implement it's earlier order within 6 weeks.

Casual Contract Labourers Union (CCLU) 36hours fast ended today. Com Balagopal MP, Com S.S.Potti, CITU, Com N.Ramesan, Secretary AIBDPA, Com Jyothilekshmi, BSNLEU Mahila convenor also spoke on the occassion. (Photo)

Casual Contract Labourers Union (CCLU) 36hours fast started in front of Circle Office demanding minimum wages, absorption of casual labourers etc. Com Varadarajan inaugurated the fast programme. Com K.Mohan, Secretary BSNLEU & Working convenor CCLU is also taking part in the fast. (photos)

Lunch hour demonstration was held at all Districts demanding immediate issue of 78.2% IDA order. Demonstration at Circle office was presided over Com Santhosh Kumar, District President SNEA. Com K.Mohan, Secretary BSNLEU and Com Syam Kumar, District President AIBSNLEA also spoke on the occassion.

The Convention of BSNLEU at Calicut representing the northern districts of Kerala viz. Kasargod, Kannur, Malappuram, Palght and Trichur, held on 8th February 2013 was a great success. About 400 comrades participated. Com.V.A.N.Namboodiri, President, BSNLEU presided. Com. K.Mohanan, Circle Secretary BSNLEU welcomed. Com.P.Abhimanyu, GS, BSNLEU, Com. A.V.Kuriakose, Circle President, Jyothilekshmi, Mahila Commitee Convener, Jayarajan, DS, Calicut and other comrades addressed. Questions raised by the comrades were fully answered by GS. The Convention was organised for mobilisation of the 20-21 February strike and also for the membership Verification.

Convention held at Kottayam was inaugurated by Com.P.Abhimanyu. He spoke about the importance of the referendum to be held and details about various issues facing by BSNL. Com.A.V.Kuriakose President BSNLEU Kerala circle presided over the function. Com.Mohan, Secretary addressed the audience. Com.Jyothilekshmi also made a speech about the importance of the referendum to be held on 16th April 2013. More than 300 Comrades from Trivandrum, Circle office, Civil wing, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Kottayam and Ernakulam participated in the convention. (photos)

AIBDPA All India Conference ends with unanimous election of office bearers.

The inaugural speech by Com. Basudeb Acharya, MP and CITU leader at the All India Conference of

AIBDPA inspired the entire house and gave guidance to the theme of the same. Com. A.K.Bhattacharjee,

All India President, gave his presidential speech. He wanted the delegates to seriously participate in

the discussions and take appropriate decisions.Com. P.Abhimanyu, General Secretary, BSNLEU,

V.A.N.Namboodiri, President BSNLEU and Advisor AIBDPA, Com. C.P.Sobhana, leader NFPE and other

leaders addressed and greeted the delegates. Com. Prakashan Master, Chairman Reception

The delegates session continued on 6th and 7th February. A Sovenir of the Conference was released by

Shri T.Padmanabhan,well-known literary figure by giving the same to Com. P.V.Chandrasekharan,

The AIC adopted a Resolution on Policy and Programme including the Charter of Demands and the

programme of actions. The AIC also declared its decision to give all support and solidarity to the 20-21

February strike and to participate in all the propaganda and other programmes. Other resolutions were

also adopted. The AIC unnimously elected office-bearers with the following for the next term:

Coms. V.A.N.Namboodiri (Advisor), P.V.Chandrasekharan (patron) A.K.Bhattacharjee (President),

K.G.Jayaraj (General Secretary) and G.B.Salakki (Treasurer) The Reception Committee with Coms.

Prakasan Master as Chairman, P.V.Unnikrishnan as Vice-Chairman and K.Kunhiraman as Geneeral

Convener and other comrades made excellent arrangements for the successful conduct of the

conference. The AIC, its eliberations and the decisions have given full confidence to the pensioners that

this is an organisation which will continue its fight for the cuase of the BSNL-DOT pensioners.

The upper age limit for departmental candidates, to appear the Telecom Mechanic

In the 28^th National Council meeting held on 30.01.2013, the Staff Side demanded this

age limit should further be relaxed. Management Side agreed to look into this.

As per the decision of the National Council meeting held on 30.01.2013, a meeting of

the Designations Committee was held on 31.01.2013. In this meeting the following

(1) The new designation for the cadre of Regular Mazdoor will be Telecom Assistant.

(3) In respect of the cadres of Sr.TOA, TTA, as well as other cadres, further talks will take

78.2% IDA Merger – BSNL Forum decides for agitational programmes

Forum of BSNL Unions/Associations in its meeting has decided to organise agitational programmes in its meeting held on 24th January 2013. A copy of the decisions of the meeting is given below:Decisions taken in the meeting of the Forum held on 24th January 2013.
A meeting of the Forum of BSNL Unions/Associations was held on 24th January 2013 at the BSNL MS Office. Com. C.Singh, GS, NFTE presided. Com. V.A.N.Namboodiri, Convener reported about the developments after the last meeting on the various issues on which agitations were conducted. All the comrades actively participated in the discussions. The intolerable delay in implementation of the agreement on 78.2% IDA fixation, Repatriation of non-optee ITS officers, 30% fitment/5 advance increments for the loss of pay of the post-2007 recruited employees, procurement of equipment, formation of BBNL (Broad Band Network Limited) and its impact etc. were discussed.
The following decisions were taken by the meeting:
1. The undue delay in the implementation of the 12 June 2012 strike agreement on 78.2% IDA merger was strongly condemned. Once again the DOT has returned the file to the BSNL Management seeking further clarifications. The delaying and diversionary tactics cannot be tolerated. To pressurise the BSNL Management and DOT for early issue of the orders on 78.2% IDA merger for BSNL Employees, the following agitational programmes are decided:
a) Savingram Campaign from 28th to 30th January 2013.
The following Savingram to be sent by all SSA/District Secretaries to the Secretary, DOT with copy to the Minister Communications and CMD BSNL, during the three days from 28-30 January.

DISTRICT SECRETARY
---------------------------
COPY TO:
THE MINISTER COMMUNICTIONS
GOVT. OF INDIA, SANCHAR BHAWAN
20 ASHOKA ROAD, NEW DELHI

b) Organise Lunch Hour Demonstration on 11th February 2013 at SSA level
c) Massive Dharna at SSA level on 15th February 2013.

The other issues will be discussed and suitable decisions taken in the next meeting to be held on 22nd February 2013.

Status of casual labourers regularised as per DOT order dated 29.09.2000 -Implementation of Hon'ble CAT judgement - Letter to GM(Estt), CO from Com.P.Abhimanyu, GS, BSNLEU (click here)

VRS will neither help BSNL, Country, nor the Workers.

After a lapse of silence for some time, the BSNL Management seems to focus attention on the issue of VRS once again. It is reported in some papers today quoting some top management officers that VRS is urgently required to save the BSNL and reduce the expenditure on salary, which is about 46% to 48%. It is also stated that the workers lack technical knowledge and are aged, hence they should be retrenched through VRS.

Let us see how much sincerity and facts are involved in the above arguments focused in the reports.

1. 46-48% of the revenue/expenditure is to pay the salary, is one argument. The % has increased, not because the number of workers has increased but due to the fact that the revenue of the company has gone down for which the main responsibility lies upon the management. When there were more than 3.5 lakh workers some 6-7 years back, the % of salary to the total revenue/expenditure was less, since the revenue was about Rs. 40,000 crore. The main reason for the % of salary increasing is because the revenue decreased to about Rs. 27,000 crore in the last few years. Management is fully responsible for the same and not the workers.

2. Aging is a natural phenomena and the workforce recruited 20-25 years back will naturally be above 45-50 years. They have worked dedicately all these years and have increased the wealth of the DOT/BSNL. With regarding to their technical capability, despite the unions continuously demanding, training and retraining were not given to them as required. While top level officers were deputed to ALTTC, BRBRAITT, RTTC etc. for continued and regular refreshment courses, the non-executives were mostly discriminated. And now what right has got the management to state that they are not technically capable? If the BSNL management had got common sense and business culture, it would have trained all the staff to enable them to work effectively. The complete fault lies upon the management.

3. Whether VRS will help any company to save itself? The answer is a clear NO. MTNL has implemented VRS 2-3 times. What is the present situation? The services have become worse due to shortage of staff. What happened to the Nationalised Banks which implemented the VRS ‘effectively’? Due to acute shortage of staff after the VRS, the customers have been suffering and have to wait a long period at the bank counters. And the Bank managements have now been compelled to recruit more than 70,000 employees this year. As can be seen from these experiences VRS will only weaken the BSNL.
4. According to BSNL Management about Rs.18,000 crore is required to implement VRS for retrenching about one lakh workers, which is the target. Where is this huge sum for VRS? BSNL do not have the funds. Government is reluctant to give. It is reported that when the Management approached the Banks for loan, instead of Rs. 18,000 crore, they are willing to loan only Rs.1,000 crore or so. Why the management wants to take loan for VRS and why not for the development and expansion of the services? The approach of the management is completely negative and anti-worker.
5. VRS is a big loss to the workers. If they continue in service, every year they will getting 3% increment, promotion as per the Promotion Policy, there will be a wage revision, and the pension will be almost double if he/she retires after superannuation compared to the Voluntary retirement now.

These are only some of the issues to be considered. Earlier three times the management had tried to implement VRS, but due to the strong opposition from the Unions, especially BSNLEU, the decisions had to be dropped. The present move also will face the same fate, since the proposal is not in the interest of the BSNL, customers, the workers or the country. It is only part of the neo-liberal policy of the government which wants the PSUs to be disinvested and privatised. The slogan raised by the first Prime minister of the country Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru that ‘ the Public Sector Units are the Modern temples of India’ is being changed by the present rulers in to that ‘ the PSUs are the new cemeteries of the neo-liberal period’.

All the unions should together fight this attack of VRS and defeat it once again in the interest of the workers, BSNL and the country.

JTO LDCE will be held on 2nd June 2013

The JTO LDCE examination now will be held on 2nd June 2013. The unions had to put much pressure on the management to get the orders issued. After long 12 years, now the examinations are going to be held. A number of vacancies exist and there is good scope for many comrades to pass.

Orders issued for 4.2% DA increase from 1st Jan. 2013

Orders have been issued by DPE vide No. F.No.2(70)/2008 - DPE (WC)-CIL-II/2013 dated 08-01-2013 increasing DA by 4.2% coming to a total DA of 71.5% w.e.f. 1st January 2013. (click here)

Introduction of volume based SMS STV under 2G and 3G pre-paid mobile services (click here)

Comrade O.P.Gupta passed away

With extreme sorrow it is intimated that Com. Om Prakash Gupta, veteran leader of the P&T Trade Union movement and former Secretary General of NFPTE and NFTE, passed away at about 2100 hours on 6th Janaury 2013 in the Military Hospital, Delhi. He was admitted to the hospital two days back. The cremation will take place in the Delhi Lodhi Road Crematorium by 11.30 AM tomorrow (07-01-2013) as intimated by his son. BSNLEU express deep sorrow and convey heartfelt condolence to the bereaved family!

The BSNL Management has issued orders for the conduct of the VI Membership Verification for electing the Recognised Union of Non-Executives in BSNL. The verification (polling ) will be on 16th April and the announcement of the results on 18th April 2013. Orders have also been issued for keeping in abeyance transfers of non-executive employees during the process of election.

Non-transfer of Non-Executive staff till completion of 6^th Membership Verification process in BSNL (click here)

Protest demonstration was conducted at all Districts against the harassment of women. Every woman shall have a right to be free from Sexual Harassment and it is necessary to implement a policy against sexual harassment of women. In circle office the protest was inaugurated by Sri Madhuoodanan Nair, famous poet. Com B.S.Girijakumary presided the function. Sri Srinivasalu, GM(F) and Com. K.Mohan, Circle Secretary spoke on the occasion. All the participants take part in the oath taking by lighting candles. (Photos)

DOT approves Rs. 1,500 crore to BSNL from USO Fund

DOT has approved Rs. 1,500 crores from the USO Fund for BSNL in lieu of the stopping of ADC amount beig paid to BSNL as assured by the Government at the time of is formation. Com VAN Namboodiri and Com.K.G.Jayaraj General Seretary AIBDPA met Shri Malay Shivstava, Joint Secretary (T), DOT and pursued the matter for early release of the amount. He assured that the amount will be released without further delay and the process has already started. BSNLEU also demanded that the amount of BWA spectrum paid by the BSNL be refunded at the earliest. Joint Secretary(T) stated that the process is on for the refund.

4.2% IDA has become due w.e.f. 01.01.2013. So, the total IDA that will be payable w.e.f. 01.01.2013 will be 71.5% (67.3 + 4.2 = 71.5%).

AIBDPA Conference at Kannur – 6th – 7th February 2013

All arrangements are being made by the Reception Committee at Kannur for holding of the Triennial Conference of the AIBDPA. The Conference will be inaugurated by Com. Basudeb Acharya, Member of Parliament and the same will be be addressed by S/Shri S.C.Misra, Member(Services) DOT, A.N.Rai Director (HR) BSNL and KCGK Pillai, Director (Finanace) BSNL. Coms. S.K.Vyas, Secretary General NCCPA and Chairman Confederation of CG Employees, V.A.N.Namboodiri, President BSNLEU and Advisor, AIBDPA, P.Abhimanyu, General secretary, BSNLEU, M.Krishnan, Secretary General, NFPE and other leaders will also address. The Conference will be presided over by Com. A.K.Bhattacharjee, President AIBDPPA and the Report will be presented by Com.K.G.Jayaraj, General Secretary. More than 500 delegates from all the circles are expected to attend. The AIBDPA Conference will discuss about the issues of the DOT and BSNL Pensioners and chalk outsuitable programmes of action.

BSNL order on issue of grant of 5 (five) advance increments on the minimum of revised E1 IDA pay scale of Rs.16400-40500/- to JAO (Departmental) at par with directly recruited JTOs/JAO (click here)

Com. Kodiyeri Balakrishnan inaugurated the two days study class being held at Students Centre Trivandrum. About 125 comrades are attending the class. (view)

BSNL has floated a tender for availing Bank loan of Rs.18,000 crore. This is the first time that BSNL is going in for availing such a huge loan. However, the purpose of availing such a huge loans is not known.

Joint Forum decides to conduct enmasse dharna on 17^th and 18^th December, 2012

The Joint Action Committee of BSNL and MTNL Unions, which met on 04.12.2012 reviewed the ongoing agitational programme and took the following decisions. The ongoing agitation on ITS repatriation issue is to be intensified. In addition to the ITS repatriation issue, the following issues connected with the viability of BSNL and MTNL are also to be included in the charter of demands.

d) Exempting BSNL and MTNL from payment of fee for the 2G spectrum they are hold beyond 4.4 MHz.

i) Immediate issuing of Presidential Directive for 78.2% IDA fixation to BSNL employees.

Connections and market share of Telecom companies.

India has got total 93.522 million connections including landlines and mobiles as on 31st October 2012. India with 2.122 crore landline connections has got 68.56% of market share and is the first in this sector. In the mobile sector with 12.12 crore connections moblie, BSNL is in the 5th position. In the total connections including all services, BSNL is in the fourth position with 12.96% market share. In the mobile sector Airtel with 18.64 crore is the first followed by Vodafone with 15.37 crore, Reliance Telephones with 13.52 crores and Idea WITH 11.57 crore.

11^th December 2012 is the 38^th death anniversary of Com. K.G.Bose, the revolutionary leader of the P&T employees’ movement, who died at a comparatively young age of 54. He passed away in a London Hospital on 12^th December 1974, while he was being treated for cancer. (Details)

Casual, Contract Workers March to GM Office on 12th December 2012

As per the decision of the Central Executive Committee of BSNL Casual and Contract Workers Federation held at Hazaribag on 3rd November 2012, Casual and Contract workers all over India will march to the GM offices on 12th December 2012 demanding the settlement of the following demands:

Though these are the demands of the casual, contract workers, they alone will not be able to get these demands, since they are not well organised. It is only with the help of the regular employees, both non-executives and executives that they will be able to make the BSNL management to implement the orders on minimum wage etc. This inhuman exploitation of the casual, contract labour in BSNL has to be put an end to and justice meted out to these toiling workers. District Secretaries of BSNL Employees Union and other sister organisations are requested to give all solidarityu and support to this fully justified struggle.

It is reported that the DOT is proposing to introduce free roaming from the next year, preferably March itself. The telcos are very reluctant since it will adversely affect their revenues. The details of the proposals may be revealed shortly.

Leaders of the Joint Forum of BSNL and MTNL Unions, met Dr. Kruparani Killi, Minister of State for Communications, on 24.11.2012 and presented a memorandum, demanding the immediate repatriation of the non-optee ITS officers.

As per the decision of the Joint Forum of BSNL unions and associations, a massive March to CGM office was organized on 22-11-2012, demanding immediate repatriation of the non-optee ITS officers (click here)

Union meeting on recognition rules. BSNLEU demanded that the 6^th Membership Verification should be conducted based on the existing Code of Discipline and thereafter the new recognition rules can be finalizedby holding threadbare discussions (click here)

A press meet was organised today at Calicut to focus the issue of the one day strike on 16th November and the reason for the same. A very good number of press/media/TV channels attended, more than 30. Coms. VAN Namboodiri, All India President, BSNLEU, K.Mohanan, Circle Secretary, BSNLEU, Vijaya Kumar, Asst. Circle Secretary, Jayarajan, District Secretary, Calicut and K.S.Venugopal, Circle President, BSNLMS participated. Explained the background and the cold-blooded murder of Shri Sukenderpal Singh, District Secretary of BSNLEU Ghaziabad by Adesh Kumar GM Ghaziabad and his henchmen in the GM office itself. Despite filing of FIR against the GM and other culprits, he has neither been arrested nor taken in to custody by the police. The DOT and BSNL Management have also not either suspended or taken any other action against him. Our demand that the GM should be immediately arrested and suspended was focussed. BSNL Employees are going on one day strike on 16th November on this issue. All these were explained. The TV channels have already aired the press meet. It is expected that most of the dailies will be publishing the news.

Corporate Office letter on change in the Code of discipline/framing BSNL's own Recognition Rules for electing majority union(s) of non-executive employees in BSNL (click here)

Arrest Murder culprits – BSNLEU calls for strike on 16th Nov. 2012

Central Secretariat of BSNL Employees Union, which met on 27.10.12 at New Delhi has called upon the BSNL workers to go on one day strike on 16th November 2012 demanding immediate arrest and suspension of Adesh Kumar, GM Ghaziabad and other culprits who are responsible for the cold-blooded murder of Com. Sukenderpal Singh, District Secretary BSNLEU Ghaziabad in the GM office itself. The Central Secretariat has also decided to organise telegram campaign to the Communications Minister and Chief Minister, U.P., demanding immediate action against the culprits.

BSNLEU has written to the management and strongly demanded that the non-graduates among Junior / Senior Accountants should also be allowed to appear the JAO examination against 10% quota (BSNLEU letter No. BSNLEU/527 (JAO) dated 25.06.2012). This has been accepted and necessary amendment in the Recruitment Rules of the JAO cadre has now been incorporated. (Order)

BSNLEU Gaziabad District Secretary, Com. Sukendra Pal Singh has expired today. It is alleged that he was attacked by the General Manager, BSNL, and his goondas, in the GM Office, due to which the death has taken place. BSNLEU pays it's respectful homage to Com. Sukendar Pal Singh. BSNLEU also severely condemns this brutal act, and calls upon our branches to conduct powerful protest demonstrations tomorrow the 23.10.2012, demanding proper investigation and arrest of the culprits.

Items for discussion in the 10^th meeting of the Sports and Cultural Board (click here)