The 6th meeting of the Joint Committee on wage negotiation of the Non-Executives, was held today. All the members of the Staff Side, as well as the Management Side, were present. Discussion continued on finalising the pay scales. Based on the live cases received by the Staff Side, demand was raised in today’s meeting, that the maximum of the NE-4 and NE-5 should be modified, so as to give the provision for one more increment. This is necessary to avoid stagnation. The Management Side accepted to examine the demand of the Staff Side. Further, the Staff Side demanded that, the agreement on pay scales can be signed and sent immediately, for the approval of the DoT. To this, the Management Side replied that, the inputs regarding the financial implication for revision of allowances and perks also has to sent to the DoT, along with the proposal of revision of pay scales. In view of this, it is decided to discuss the revision of allowances and perks in the next meeting to be held on 09.10.2018.

It is learnt that IDA will increase from 128% to 135.6%, w.e.f.1^st October 2018. Thus, the net increase in IDA will be 7.6%.

BSNLEU is organising an All India BSNL Young Workers Convention at Bhopal tomorrow the 30.09.2018. Young Workers, numbering around 250, coming from all over the country, to participate in this Convention. Apart from BSNLEU’s President, General Secretary and Dy. General Secretary, Com.Prabhir Purkayasta, General Secretary, Delhi Science Forum, is also addressing the Convention. The Madhya Pradesh circle union is making excellent arrangement to make the Convention a memorable one.

A few months back, BSNL Corporate Office has issued letter to All the CGMs, directing to retrench 30% of the contract workers, in the name of reducing the expenditure of the Company. Since then, BSNLEU is seriously taking up the issue with the CMD BSNL and the Director (HR) for the reengagement of the retrenched contract workers. BSNLEU has suggested that these retrenched contract workers can be redeployed in sales and marketing activities, thereby creating a win-win situation for both the workers and the Company. Unfortunately, Corporate Office has taken belated action on the suggestion of BSNLEU, and has forwarded the letter of BSNLEU to the circles, calling for their views. The efforts of BSNLEU will continue till the contract workers are re-engaged.

It is already decided that the AIC of BSNLEU will be held at Mysuru, from 8^th to 11^th January, 2019. However, the Central Trade Unions have given call yesterday, for a two day strike, to be organised on 8^th and 9^th January, 2019. It is needless to say that, BSNLEU has to make the strike successful in BSNL.  Hence, we cannot conduct our AIC, as per the dates decided earlier. In view of this, the All India Centre meeting held today, has decided to prepone the dates of the AIC. Accordingly, the All India Conference will now be conducted on 17^th, 18^th, 19^th and 20^th December, 2018.  The Pre-AIC CEC meeting will be held on 16.12.2018. All CEC members, delegates and observers are requested to book their journey tickets accordingly. The inconvenience caused in this regard to our comrades, is highly regretted by the CHQ. All the comrades are requested to cooperate with the CHQ, in this regard.

On the occasion of BSNL's Foundation Day, BSNLEU conveys it's best wishes and warm greetings to the entire Non-Executives and Executives. On this day, let us rededicate ourselves for improving the quality of BSNL's services and thereby increase customer satisfaction. On this day, let us also resolve to strengthen the unity of the employees, to fight against the retrograde policies of the government, so as to safeguard and strengthen BSNL.

CHQ is saddened to inform that our Assistant General Secretary, Com.Saibal Sengupta's mother has passed away yesterday. She had been unwell for some time and had been admitted in hospital. CHQ conveys it's heartfelt condolences to Com.SaibalSengupta  and to all the members of his family.

BSNLEU organised a highly successful “Young Workers’ Convention” at Bhopal, yesterday the 30-09-2018. The Madhya Pradesh circle union of BSNLEU, had made praiseworthy arrangements for the success. Accepting the call of BSNLEU, young workers from various circles, attended this Convention in good numbers. Many circle secretaries, CHQ office bearers and district secretaries too were present in the Convention. The programme started with the Flag hoisting. Com.Prabir Purkayastha, General Secretary, Delhi Science Forum, hoisted the National Flag and Com.P.Abhimanyu, General Secretary, hoisted BSNLEU’s Red Flag. Com.Balbir Singh, President, BSNLEU, presided over the Convention. Com.Swapan Chakraborty, Dy. GS, delivered the welcome address. Com.Prabir Purkayastha, who is having a long connection with the telecom sector, explained how the government is helping the private companies, in the telecom sector, as well as in other sectors, through it’s policy interventions. He suggested that the BSNL trade union movement should put forth an alternative telecom policy among the people, against the anti- Public Sector and pro-private policies of the government. Com.P.Abhimanyu, GS, who spoke next, gave an introduction to the young delegates, about the BSNL trade union movement. He explained about the each and every step taken by the government, to weaken BSNL and to strengthen the private telecom companies. He also recalled the united struggles, conducted by the Unions and associations of BSNL, to protect BSNL, as a result of which the Company is surviving as a 100% government undertaking. Further, he explained about the steps taken by BSNLEU, to resolve the grievances of the directly recruited employees. After the lunch break, the delegates’ session started. 20 delegates energetically participated in the deliberations and gave many valid suggestions regarding demands of the employees, as well as about improving the services of BSNL. Finally, Com.P.Abhimanyu,GS, summed up the discussion, by replying to the issues raised by the delegates. Com.Prakash Sharma, circle secretary, proposed vote of thanks. The Convention came to a close, with thunderous slogans, raised to strengthen BSNL and to strengthen the trade union.

Com.H.P.Singh, Dy.General Secretary of BSNL OA, retired on superannuation on 30-09-2018. A function was organised at BSNL MS office on 29-09-2018, to felicitate Com.H.P.Singh. Leaders of various organisations participated in the meeting and felicitated Com.H.P.Singh. On behalf of BSNLEU, Com.Balbir Singh, President, Com.P.Abhimanyu, GS and Com.Swapan Chakraborty, Dy.GS, participated in the function. Com.P.Abhimanyu, GS, while addressing, recollected the contributions of Com.H.P.Singh, in the various united struggles organised under the banner of Forum and the AUAB. On behalf of BSNLEU, Com.Balbir Singh, President, offered a shawl to Com.H.P.Singh and honoured him. BSNLEU wishes long, hale and healthy retired life to Com.H.P.Singh.

BSNLEU has been pressurising the Corporate Management to mitigate the sufferings of the Sr.TOAs, who are downgraded from the pay scale of 7100 to the pay scale of 6550, consequent to their opting for the NEPP. The CMD BSNL and the Director (HR) have in principle accepted to settle this issue. Consequent to this, a series of discussions are held with the Establishment Branch. The issue is once again discussed by Com.P. Abhimanyu, GS with the DGM(Estt.). In today’s meeting, it was agreed that the Union will provide live cases to the Management, so as to enable them issue necessary letter on the matter. Hence, CHQ calls upon the circle and district secretaries to send the live cases, with complete details of the loss incurred by the Sr.TOAs who have been downgraded. The circle and district secretaries are requested to treat this as urgent.

The Circle Executive Committee meeting of Assam circle was held at Silchar on 29.09.2018, presided over by Com. B.K. Kakati and Com.B.C. Roy. Com.Bijoy Deka, circle secretary, presented the report on activities and initiated the discussion of the subjects committee. In connection with this circle executive committee meeting, a mass meeting was also organised at Silchar on 29.09.2018. It was addressed by veteran leader Com.M.R. Das, Com. Gakul Borah, Treasurer (CHQ) and Com.Bijoy Dekha, circle secretary. Com.Gakul Borah, Treasurer (CHQ), explained the latest developments related to the wage revision, Subsidiary Tower Company, 4G spectrum issue, pension revision and pension payment on actual basic pay. He also explained about the achievements of BSNLEU in settling the issues of the Non-Executives, such as promotion to the E1 pay scale, relaxation for JE LICE, gratuity to casual labourers, change of designations, undoing the downgradation of Sr.TOAs from 7100 to 6550 pay scale, one time relaxation of the 10th standard qualification for appearing in the Telecom Technician LDCE, etc. Further, he called upon the executive committee members to actively take part in the “BSNL At Your Doorstep” movement, called on by the AUAB.

The Extended Circle Executive Committee meeting of NE-II circle was held on 28.09.2018, at the Dimapur. The union red flag was hoisted by Com.Pradip Deb and floral tributes were paid at the martyrs column. A minute’s silence was observed to the departed leaders. Com.K. Sahib Singh, Circle Secretary, welcomed everyone. He presented the report on activities and initiated the discussion of the subjects committee. Com. Gakul Borah, Treasurer (CHQ), addressed the meeting and explained the recent struggles on the issues of wage revision, Subsidiary Tower Company, pension revision, allotment of 4G spectrum and payment of pension on actual basic pay. He called upon the Executive Committee members to actively participate in the “BSNL At Your Doorstep” movement, called on by the AUAB. The meeting seriously deliberated on the agenda items and took decisions to strengthen the organisation and to successfully implement the call of the AUAB.

It may be recollected that, after assuming charge as the President of the United States, Donald Trump has dishonoured the agreement signed between the US and Iran. He has also imposed inhuman sanctions on Iran. The International Court of Justice, which is the highest court of the United Nations has ordered today that the United States should lift it’s sanctions on Iran, which are affecting the import of humanitarian goods and also products and services connected to the safety of Civil Aviation. It is a matter to be observed, whether Trump will implement this order or not.

The BSNL's Board of Directors meeting is held today. Two HR issues of the Non-Executives were on the agenda. One is grant of one extra increment to the left out Non-Executives who faced wage loss after 01.01.2007. The other issue is implementing Gratuity for the casual labourers. It is understood that the Board has taken a positive decision on both the issues. Even though the issue of implementation of Gratuity to the casual labourers is not an issue of the Non-Executives, BSNLEU has actively taken up this issue.

A meeting of the All Unions and Associations of BSNL (AUAB) will be held at 03:30 pm on 08.10.2018, in NFTE’s office. The meeting will take stock of the developments on crucial issues such as wage revision, pension revision, payment of pension on actual basic pay, allotment of 4G spectrum, superannuation benefits of the DR employees and other issues, and will also take decision on trade union actions for expediting the settlement of these issues.

Representatives of BSNLEU and NFTE met the CMD BSNL today and discussed certain important issues. Com.P. Abhimanyu, GS, BSNLEU, Com. Chandeshwar Singh, GS, NFTE, Com. Swapan Chakraborty, Dy.GS, BSNLEU and Com.K.S. Sheshadri, Dy.GS, NFTE, took part in the discussion. The following issues were discussed:-

1. Inordinate delay in seeking relaxation from the Affordability Clause.

The representatives expressed their extreme unhappiness over the delay in seeking relaxation from the Affordability Clause of the recommendations of the 3rd PRC. They pointed out that despite their best efforts, neither the Hon’ble MoS(C) nor the Secretary, DoT, has cared to meet the representatives of the AUAB. Under these circumstances, they told that, they are left with no other option, but to take some hard decision for settling the demands.

2. Handing over of the Kerala Flood Relief Amount.

The AUAB has already requested the CMD BSNL that, the amount collected from BSNL employees, for Kerala Flood Relief, should be handed over to the Chief Minister of Kerala, by the CMD BSNL himself, and have pointed out that such a development will boost the image of BSNL.  In today’s meeting, the representatives enquired what decision has been taken on this issue. The CMD BSNL replied that, the matter has been referred to the DoT, together with the demand of the unions and associations that the amount should be handed over to the Kerala CM by the CMD BSNL. He has said that BSNL is waiting for the decision of the DoT.

3. Settlement of wage revision of the Non-Executives.

The representatives informed the CMD BSNL that, the agreement on new pay scales is almost reached, and that the issue of revision of allowances and perks has to be taken up for discussion shortly, by the Wage Revision Committee. The representatives strongly demanded that the allowances and perks of the employees should be revised and that, the same should not be denied, citing the financial condition of the Company. In the last meeting of the Staff Side members of the Wage Revision Committee, participated in by the representatives of BSNLEU and NFTE, it has been decided that, the issue of revision of allowances and perks should be discussed with the CMD BSNL in advance. This decision was taken, in view of the fact that, the BSNL Board has already informed the DoT that, the HRA of Executives would be frozen as on 31.12.2016.

The All Unions and Associations of BSNL (AUAB) is continuously taking actions to settle the wage revision, pension revision and other important issues connected with the revival of BSNL. Only because of the struggles conducted by the AUAB, the Hon’ble MoS(C) has agreed to take the matter of wage revision for the approval of the Cabinet. Only because of the efforts taken by the AUAB, negotiations for wage revision of the Non-Executives have reached the final stage. The AUAB organised three day relay hunger strike in July, 2018, demanding speedy implementation of the assurances given by the Hon’ble MoS(C). The leaders of the AUAB also met the Hon’ble MoS(C) in the Parliament on 01.08.2018 and have demanded speedy action. The AUAB is meeting on 08.10.2018, to decide the future course of action. In the meanwhile, some mischief-makers are spreading lies and rumours to confuse the workers. BSNLEU is continuously updating the true status on it’s website. Circle and district secretaries are requested to take these updatings to the workers.

One rumour, being spreaded by a mischief-maker is that, Shri Manoj Sinha, Hon’ble Minister of State for Communications has directed the DoT, not to prepare the Cabinet Note for the wage revision of BSNL employees. This is totally a wrong information, intended to confuse the workers. It is confirmed by the Director (PSU) of the DoT, to the General Secretary, BSNLEU, that no such instruction has been issued by the Hon’ble MoS(C) to the DoT. The Director (PSU), DoT, also confirmed that preparation of the Cabinet Note is in the final stage. The AUAB is extremely unhappy over the delay in sending the Cabinet Note, for which meeting is convened to decide programme of action.

The AUAB has already complained about the lavish expenditures being incurred by the top officers of the Company. A copy of this complaint has been sent to the Cabinet Secretary, Principal Secretary in the PMO and to the Secretary, DoT. The AUAB has strongly demanded the CMD BSNL to implement ‘Austerity Measures’ in respect of the top officers of the Company. The AUAB will continue to fight on this issue, to protect the interests of BSNL.