The CHQ of BSNLEU calls upon the circle and district unions to observe this year’s May Day by hoisting the Union flag, participating in rallies and organising seminars and special meetings. We shall pay homage to the May Day martyrs, who laid down their lives in Chicago in 1886, fighting to achieve the demand of 8 hours’ work, 8 hours' recreation and 8 hours' sleep. On one side, the capitalists class is trying to increase the working hours. It is in this background that, Shri Narayana Murthy, co-founder of the Infosys, has told that the Indian youth should work for 70 hours a week. On the other side, the World Federation of Trade Unions (WFTU), of which BSNLEU is an affiliate, has raised the demand for 35 hours’ work in a week. Militant struggles of the working class have taken place in the recent months in all the developed capitalist nations like the UK, Germany, France, the US, etc., on the demands of  wage increase and reducing the workload. All these issues need to be highlighted in our slogans, meetings, rallies, etc., to be organised in this year’s May Day. Circle and district unions of BSNLEU are requested to effectively organise this year’s May Day activities and send the reports and photos to the CHQ.

As is known to all the employees, the revised rate of IDA has not been paid w.e.f. 01.04.2024. This is because, the Labour Bureau, which releases the All India Consumer Price Index (Industrial Workers) figures, has not released the same for the month of March, 2024. Hence, the DPE has not announced the revised IDA rates w.e.f. 01.04.2024. Such a delay has never been witnessed before. In view of this, BSNLEU has written a letter to the Secretary, Ministry of Labour, today, demanding to immediately intervene in this matter and to take appropriate action.  

The Voluntary Group Health Insurance Scheme for BSNL employees, implemented in tie-up with M/s Oriental Insurance Company, is expiring on 31-05-2024. This insurance scheme has to be renewed w.e.f. 01-06-2024, for which the fresh MoU has to be signed between BSNL Management and the insurance company. The Admin Branch of the Corporate Office has taken the initiative for the renewal of the MoU. In this connection, a meeting is being held in the Corporate Office on 29-04-2024. Recognised unions and associations are invited for this meeting. BSNLEU will participate in this meeting.

In continuation of the Wage Negotiating Committee meeting held on 22-03-2024, BSNLEU has submitted live cases of stagnation that will occur in the new pay scales proposed by the Management Side. Thereafter, BSNLEU has also met Shri S.P.Singh, Sr.GM(Estt.) and discussed about the cases of stagnation. Yesterday, Com.Animesh Mitra, President and Com. John Verghese, Acting General Secretary met Shri R.K. Goyal, Chairman of the Wage Negotiating Committee in this connection. They informed the Chairman about the live cases already submitted by BSNLEU and requested for an early meeting of the Wage Negotiating Committee. The leaders also insisted to consider revision of HRA, together with the revision of pay scales.

BSNLEU has provided the management with a worksheet detailing specific examples of stagnation cases. Today, a discussion was held with Sr. GM (Estt.) on the same subject. Union representatives explained the details of the stagnation cases. During the discussion, Sr. GM (Estt.) assured that necessary action will be taken with care to study each case, and a report on the subject will be submitted to the Wage Negotiation Committee. Comrades Animesh Mitra, President, John Verghese, Acting General Secretary, and C.K. Gundanna, AGS, were present in the discussion

We propose the following corrections to the draft minutes of the Joint Committee on Wage Revision meeting held on 22-03-2024:

In Para 2.1 regarding the stagnation issue, we request the removal of certain wording as the Management Side did not propose any such precondition in the meeting, ".......if staff side is ready to sign agreement".

In Para 2.2 concerning allowances, we suggest inserting a statement regarding the Staff Side's demand for the revision of HRA and the Management Side's assurance to look into it.

A letter regarding this matter has been written to the PGM (SR).

During the formal meeting with Director (HR), BSNLEU raised concerns about the JTO (LICE) exams in Punjab circle and expressed dissatisfaction with the management's decision to cancel the exam results. Additionally, the union proposed creating supernumerary posts to accommodate qualified candidates in Punjab circle. While Director (HR) assured to address the issue, a month has passed without progress. Comrades Animesh Mitra, President, and John Verghese, Acting General Secretary, met with PGM (SR) and Sr. GM (Estt.) to convey the sentiments of Punjab circle. BSNLEU will continue advocating for resolution with the management.

Comrades Animesh Mitra, President BSNLEU, and John Verghese, Acting General Secretary, met PGM (SR) on 19.04.2024, stressing the necessity for a Wage Revision Committee meeting within a fortnight. They apprised PGM (SR) of 30 live cases of stagnation and pay losses submitted to the Chairman of the Wage Revision Committee, representing various cadres. These cases underscore the dissatisfaction among non-executive cadres regarding the unilateral pay scales proposed by management.

In response, PGM (SR) assured that a date for the Wage Revision Committee meeting will be provided after thorough examination of the submitted cases by our Union.

BSNLEU CHQ submitted the above data on 18.04.2024, to Sri. R K Goyal, Chairman, Wage Negotiating Committee, as per the discussion held on 22.03.2024.

Pune, 17th April 2024: Citizens across the country are calling for BSNL to offer 4G and 5Gservices, but the company has not yet received the necessary equipment from TCS to provide these services. As a result, BSNL is unable to offer 4G and 5G connectivity to its customers, and there has been a delay from the central government as well. This has prompted the BSNL Employees Union to launch protests nationwide, including in Pune on Tuesday.

A protest was held in front of the BSNL office on Satara Road, organized by the BSNL Employees Union Coordinating Committee. The demonstrators demanded that BSNL be equipped with 4G and 5G technology as soon as possible. MI Jakati, the union’s president in Pune, stated that the central government had allowed only BSNL to use domestically produced4G equipment as part of the “Self-reliant India” initiative. Meanwhile, other mobile service providers are using 4G devices from companies in China and South Korea.

BSNL reluctantly agreed to partner with TCS to produce 4G equipment, but after three years, TCS has not yet developed these devices. Furthermore, TCS is seeking assistance from China’s ZT Company to develop 4G equipment, which has delayed the process even further.

As a result of the lack of 4G and 5G services, BSNL has lost customers, which has harmed the company. Jakati argued that this situation may lead to the deliberate privatization of BSNL to benefi t private companies. He called on the government to act quickly by providing the necessary equipment to BSNL or allowing the company to use Vodafone’s equipment, as Vodafone is a government-owned entity.

Other union members, including Nagesh Kumar Nalavde, Sandeep Gulunjkar, Kishore Gawali,Baban Suryavanshi, and Manjusha Lachke, participated in the movement, while Vikas Kadamserved as moderator and Ganesh Bhoj gave the vote of thanks.

[ Source: Punekarnews.in dt.17-04-2024]

President Com Animesh Mitra and Acting General Secretary Com John Varghese met with PGM (ADMIN) Sri Sanjeev Tyagi  on 15.04.2024  and discussed the issue of renewal of BSNL health insurance, scheduled for renewal from 01st June, 2024. PGM Admin Shri. Sanjeev Tyagi confirmed that the process has begun, with quotations sought from both PSU and private sector insurance companies. He assured that unions and associations will be called for to finalise the renewal, ensuring seamless continuation of health coverage for BSNL employees.

BSNLEU successfully organized nationwide demonstrations today, protesting the delay in launching 4G services. The demonstrations garnered widespread support and participation across the country, reflecting the urgency of the demand for 4G services. Participants voiced their frustration with the prolonged delay and urged swift action from authorities. BSNLEU remains steadfast in its commitment to advocating for timely implementation of 4G services for the benefit of BSNL customers.
 

During a meeting with PGM (Admin),on 15-04-2004, Com. Animesh Mitra, President, and Com. John Verghese, Acting General Secretary, discussed the career progression of sports persons in BSNL. PGM (Admin) reported that the file, including 12 new cases, is processed and awaiting approval for DPC. BSNLEU has consistently raised this issue, including in formal meetings with DIR(HR). It is anticipated that the DPC will occur promptly, addressing the concerns raised regarding the career advancement of sports persons within BSNL.

The much awaited 4G equipment's supply by the TCS is not taking place. News has come that, the TCS is facing problems in it's 4G equipment's, to be supplied to BSNL and that, the TCS has sought the help of Nokia and ZTE to resolve these problems. In the meanwhile, tens of lakhs of customers continue to leave BSNL every month. As a temporary arrangement, BSNLEU has demanded that BSNL should be allowed to use Vodafone Idea's Network, for providing 4G service to it's customers. However, government is not bothered about BSNL's critical condition. Under these circumstances, the All India Centre of BSNLEU has called on the employees to organise lunch hour demonstrations on 16.04.2024, demanding immediate intervention by the government on this issue. All the circle and district unions are requested to rise to the occasion and to organise the demonstrations powerfully with the maximum participation by the employees. Report and photos of the programme may be sent to the CHQ.

Best Wishes and Warm Greetings on the auspicious occasion of Vaisakhi, Vishu, Bishub, Bahag Bihu, Poila Boishakh, Vaishakhadi, and Puthandu! May these diverse cultural festivals bring joy, prosperity, and new beginnings into your lives. Let's celebrate the richness of our traditions and the spirit of unity that binds us all. Wishing you and your loved ones a wonderful and memorable celebration.

वैसाखी, विशु, बिशुब, बहाग बिहू, पोइला बोइशाख, वैशाखी और पुथंडु के शुभ अवसर पर हार्दिक शुभकामनाएं! ये विविध सांस्कृतिक त्यौहार आपके जीवन में खुशियाँ, समृद्धि और नई शुरुआत लेकर आएं। आइए हम अपनी परंपराओं की समृद्धि और हम सभी को एकता की भावना से जोड़ते हुए जश्न मनायें।आपको और आपके प्रियजनों को एक शानदार और यादगार उत्सव की शुभकामनायें।

On this auspicious day, let's honor the legacy of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and celebrate his invaluable contributions to social justice, equality, and human rights. May his teachings inspire us to strive for a more inclusive and equitable society. Wishing everyone peace, progress, and prosperity on this special occasion.

आइए हम हर व्यक्ति की गरिमा का सम्मान करने की शपथ लें। आइए हम डॉ. अंबेडकर के उस सपने के प्रति अपनी प्रतिबद्धता दोहराते हुए अंबेडकर जयंती मनाएं जिसमें हर नागरिक को समान महत्व दिया जाता है।  अंबेडकर जयंती की हार्दिक शुभकामनायें।

BSNLEU writes to PGM (SR) for implementing the DOPT rules on Special Casual Leave to Society Directors. BSNL Cooperative Societies supporting employees and families, requiring active participation from elected officials. However, the provision for Special Casual Leave, recognised by DOPT, was overlooked in ESS portal. We urge reinstatement of this provision to ensure effective governance.

BSNLEU CHQ has addressed a letter to PGM (Admin) today on impending expiration of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between BSNL and M/s Oriental Insurance Company Ltd., which is set to expire on 31-05-2024.

The Group Health Insurance has to be renewed with effect from 01-06-2024 to ensure continuous coverage for our employees without any interruptions. Timely renewal is very much essential to keep the insurance policy active and to provide uninterrupted benefits to our employees, and to pursue our commitment to the wellbeing of our employees.  

We request you to kindly consider initiating the process of renewal at the earliest.

BSNLEU extends best wishes and warm greetings to all on the occasion of Eid. May this festival bring immense joy and everlasting peace to all. Let us celebrate the spirit of unity, compassion, and togetherness with our loved ones. Eid Mubarak.

The All India Centre meeting of BSNLEU is held online yesterday the 09-04-2024. The meeting is attended by Com. Animesh Mitra, President, Com.P.Abhimanyu, General Secretary, Com.John Verghese, Acting General Secretary, Com. Irfan Pasha, Treasurer and Com. C.K.Gundanna, AGS. The meeting expressed it's serious concern over the extreme delay in the launching of BSNL's 4G service. The meeting also took note of the recent media report which states that, the TCS had sought the help of Nokia and ZTE, for overcoming it's problems faced in the commissioning of BSNL’s 4G network. Due to the extreme delay in the launching of BSNL's 4G service, tens of lakhs of BSNL’s customers continue to leave the Company every month. In January, 2024, another 11,81,783 customers have left BSNL. BSNLEU has already written letter to the Hon'ble Minister of Communications, demanding that the Government of India should allow BSNL to launch it’s 4G service, by utilising Vodafone Idea’s 4G network. The Government has not accepted this demand so far. Hence, the All India Centre meeting decided to call upon the employees to organise lunch hour demonstrations on 16-04-2024, demanding prompt action by the Government for the immediate launching of BSNL's 4G service.