After yesterday’s discussion with Secretary, Telecom, the AUAB, in it’s review meeting, came to the conclusion that the progress made in the matter of wage revision is not satisfactory. Hence, it is decided to go ahead with the agitational programme, and to effectively organise rallies at Corporate Office, Circle and District levels on 14.11.2018. Circle and district unions are requested to closely coordinate with the other constituents of the AUAB and to take maximum efforts to organise the rallies. Flex boards and placards should be prepared in sufficient numbers for the rallies, for effectively conveying our message to the public during the rallies.

Com.P. Abhimanyu, GS and Com. Swapan Chakraborty, Dy.GS, met Shri Anupam Shrivastava, CMD BSNL today and discussed the following issues.

 
(1)    Amendment to the Non-Executives’ Recognition Rules.

The Union representatives apprised the CMD BSNL that the Mysuru All India Conference of BSNLEU, has passed a resolution demanding removal of the clause of the Non-Executives’ Recognition Rules, which stipulates that no second Union would be recognised, if the first Union gets 50% or more votes. The CMD BSNL appreciated the decision of BSNLEU and assured to positively look into it.

 
(2)   Eligibility to the TSMs regularised after 01.10.2000, for promotion under NEPP.

Court had already ordered that the 1st promotion under NEPP should be granted on completion of four years to the TSMs regularised after 01.10.2000. However, BSNL is yet to implement this court order to all the TSMs regularised after 01.10.2000. In today’s meeting, BSNLEU demanded that this court order should be implemented in respect of all the TSMs regularised after 01.10.2000. The CMD BSNL assured to take the needful action.

(3)   Non-allotment of funds to the circles by the Corporate Office.

The representatives pointed out that the inordinate delay in the allotment of funds to the circles, by the Corporate Office, has resulted in suffering to the employees in various ways. They pointed out that, the EMI amount for bank loans, employee contribution of EPF, etc., deducted from the salaries of employees, are not being remitted to the concerned organisations by BSNL on time, as a result of which employees are made to pay penal interests. The CMD BSNL replied that all EMI amounts as well as employee contribution of EPF, have been remitted to the respective organisations upto December, 2018. The Union representatives urged upon the CMD BSNL to ensure that employees are not made to pay penal interest on account of delay on the part of BSNL Management.

    
(4)   Amendments to the JAO RR.

The representatives brought to the notice of the CMD BSNL that certain pressing amendments to the JAO Recruitment Rules, demanded by BSNLEU, are still not implemented by BSNL, since the same are awaiting approval of the BSNL Board. The representatives urged upon the CMD BSNL to clear these amendments in the next Board meeting. The CMD BSNL responded positively.

(5)   Non-disposal of Kerala flood relief fund.

Deductions have already been made from the salary of BSNL employees, towards Kerala flood relief fund. The unions and associations of BSNL wanted these funds to be handed over to the Kerala Chief Minister, by the CMD BSNL. The BSNL Management has sought the approval of DoT in this regard. So far the amount has not been spent for the purpose it was collected. This issue was raised in today’s meeting and the CMD BSNL replied that the DoT has referred the matter to the PMO. The Union representatives urged upon the CMD BSNL to ensure early payment of the amount to the affected people of Kerala.

It is very unfortunate that the Reliance Jio is being given the status of Government Service Provider, while the Public Sector BSNL is being neglected. Already, the mobile / landline connections of the Indian Railways have gone to Reliance Jio. Now, the government has entrusted the job of providing MPLS–VPN and SD-VAN networks in all the airports, to Reliance Jio. If things go like this, days are not far away, when the entire telephone connections of the government will be taken from Reliance Jio.

The AUAB has learnt reliably that the BSNL Board of Directors meeting is going to be held tomorrow the 21.08.2019, in which they are going to give approval for reducing the retirement age of BSNL employees from 60 to 58. We have been hearing for the past few months, about the proposal of the government to reduce the retirement age from 60 to 58. This is totally against the commitment given by the Union Cabinet in the year 2000, that government rule will be applicable so far as the retirement of BSNL employees is concerned. In view of this, we have to strongly protest the move of the BSNL Board to reduce the retirement age from 60 to 58. Hence, the AUAB calls upon the entire Executives and Non-Executives of BSNL to hold lunch hour demonstrations tomorrow to protest against the proposed move of the BSNL Board to reduce the retirement age from 60 to 58..

A meeting was held between the AUAB and the BSNL Management at 10:00 am today. From the Management Side, Shri Arvind Vadnerkar, Director (HR), Shri Sheethla Prasad, Director (CM) and Shri A.M. Gupta, GM(SR), were present. From the AUAB side, General Secretary / Representative of BSNLEU, NFTE, SNEA, AIBSNLEA, FNTO, BSNLMS, SNATTA, ATM BSNL, BSNL OA and TOA BSNL, participated in the meeting. In the meeting, issues contained in the charter of demands of the AUAB, for the hunger strike to be held on 18-10-2019, were discussed. The Management Side informed that, the Cabinet is likely to take a decision on the revival package of BSNL around 23rd of this month. They also expressed the hope that, once BSNL’s revival package is cleared by the Cabinet, banks will come forward to extend credit to BSNL and that will create a favourable situation for BSNL’s revival. Representatives of the AUAB expressed their extreme unhappiness over the non-payment of September, 2019, salary. Further, they also raised the issues related to the improving the quality of service, curbing expenditure and increasing the revenue collection of the Company. They emphatically told that the letters issued by the Corporate Office for the retrenchment of contract workers, as well as non-payment of their wages, are adversely affecting the operation and maintenance works. The Management Side assured that September salary would be paid on 23.10.2019 and requested to withdraw the hunger strike. The AUAB representatives told that the salary should be paid at least by 21.10.2019. Meanwhile, it was informed that the CMD would be meeting the AUAB at 03:00 pm and hence the meeting came to an end.

The IDA is reported to have increased by 5.3% w.e.f 01.01.2020. Accordingly, the total IDA from 01-01-2020 will be 157.3%.

1) Com. Manoj Sharma, DS, Ujjain - Rs.1,000/-

2) Com. S.C. Khapre, DS, WTP, MP - Rs.1,000/-

3) Com. S.C. Shrivastav, Bhopal – Rs.1,000/-

CHQ heartily congratulates all the above mentioned comrades.

It is the 10^th death anniversary of Com.Moni Bose today. It is already 10 years since he left us and the movement. However, the path shown by Com.Moni Bose, continues to guide BSNLEU, as a vibrant working class movement. BSNLEU continuous to fight against all injustices being meted out to the working class. Especially, at a time when the nation and the working masses are faced with formidable challenges, the leaders and front line functionaries of BSNLEU, continue to be inspired by Com. Moni Bose. On this occasion, BSNLEU pays it’s rich tributes and respectful homage to Com.Moni Bose.

सांसदों (MPs) को ज्ञापन प्रस्तुति में शिथिलता....

AUAB द्वारा BSNL की 4G सर्विस की शुरुआत में निर्मित की जा रही बाधाएं और BSNL रिवाइवल पैकेज में दिए गए आश्वासनों के क्रियान्वयन में किए जा रहे विलंब को हाईलाइट करते हुए, देश भर में सभी सांसदों को ज्ञापन देने का आव्हान किया गया है।

सांसदों (MPs) को ज्ञापन प्रस्तुति, BSNL के रिवाइवल और सर्वाइवल (पुनरुत्थान और जीवंतता) के पक्ष में जन समर्थन प्राप्त करने हेतु काफी अहम है। किन्तु, यह अत्यंत निराशाजनक है कि कुछ ही सर्कल्स यह कार्य कर रहे हैं। BSNL में सबसे बड़ी ट्रेड यूनियन होने के नाते, BSNLEU के सर्किल और डिस्ट्रिक्ट सेक्रेटरीज की MPs को ज्ञापन प्रस्तुति की कार्यवाही की जिम्मेदारी अधिक है। 

अतः, CHQ, BSNLEU के सभी सर्किल और डिस्ट्रिक्ट सेक्रेटरीज से अनुरोध करता है कि वें अपने अपने सर्किल/डिस्ट्रिक्ट में MPs को ज्ञापन प्रस्तुति का कार्य पूर्ण करने हेतु सक्रिय हो जाएं। ज्ञापन प्रस्तुति में शिथिलता के मद्दे नजर, AUAB द्वारा ज्ञापन प्रस्तुति की समयावधि बढ़ाने पर विचार किया जा रहा है। इस संबंध में लिए गए निर्णय की घोषणा कल की जा सकती है। 

Com. P. Abhimanyu, General Secretary, addressed a huge gathering at CGM office, Tamil Nadu circle today. The General Secretary is in Chennai today, on his way to Ernakulam, to attend the circle conference of BSNLEU, Kerala circle. Utilising his visit, the General Secretary was invited to address the Satyagraha, being organised in the CGM office, Tamil Nadu circle. Com. Duraiarasan, CS, AIBSNLEA, presided over the meeting. Com. P. Abhimanyu, GS, spoke elaborately, and explained all the details connected with the charter of demands and the struggle. He asserted that we would settle Wage Revision and also will compel the government to roll back the Subsidiary Tower Company and other retrograde anti-BSNL and anti-employee measures. The General Secretary's speech was well received by the gathering.

BSNLEU writes to Shri A.M.Gupta, GM (SR) on 19-12-2017, pointing out that the discussion and decision taken in the National Council was not reflected in the minutes. The GM (SR) is urged to take action

The unions and associations of BSNL are considering about extending their helping hand, to the flood-affected people of Kerala. Consensus has emerged to donate one day’s basic pay to the Chief Minister’s Disaster Relief Fund. This will be communicated to the Management.

A meeting between the CMD BSNL and the AUAB will be taking place at 9:45 am tomorrow. The issue of 3^rd Pay Revision to BSNL employees is expected to figure importantly in this meeting.

देश के सभी एयरपोर्ट पर कनेक्टिविटी भी रिलायंस जिओ उपलब्ध कराएगा...
यह बेहद दुर्भाग्यपूर्ण है कि रिलायंस जिओ को शनैःशनैः सरकारी सेवा प्रदाता का दर्जा दिया जा रहा है, जबकि सरकारी उपक्रम बीएसएनएल को नजरअंदाज किया जा रहा है। भारतीय रेल्वेज के सारे मोबाइल और लैंडलाइन कनेक्शन्स रिलायंस जिओ को जा ही चुके हैं। अब सरकार ने सभी एयरपोर्ट पर  MPLS-VPN और SD-VAN नेटवर्क की उपलब्धता का कार्य रिलायंस जिओ को सौंप दिया है। यदि ऐसा ही चलता रहा तो, वह दिन ज्यादा दूर नही, जब सभी सरकारी विभाग सारे टेलीफोन कनेक्शन्स रिलायंस जिओ से ही लें।

रिटायरमेंट की उम्र 60 से घटा कर 58 - कल दिनांक 21.08.2019 को भोजन अवकाश में देशव्यापी विरोध प्रदर्शन आयोजित करें-
विश्वस्त सूत्रों से AUAB को ज्ञात हुआ है कि कल दिनांक 21.08.2019 को बोर्ड ऑफ डायरेक्टर्स की मीटिंग होने जा रही है, जिसमें उनके द्वारा BSNL कर्मियों की रिटायरमेंट की उम्र 60 से घटा कर 58 करने का अनुमोदन किया जावेगा। हम विगत कुछ महीनों से सरकार द्वारा रिटायरमेंट की उम्र 60 से घटा कर 58 करने के प्रस्ताव के बारे में सुनते आ रहे हैं। यह पूर्ण रूप से, वर्ष 2000 में यूनियन कैबिनेट द्वारा BSNL कर्मियों की रिटायरमेंट आयु के संबंध में  सरकार के नियमों को लागू किए जाने के कमिटमेंट के विरुद्ध है। इस परिप्रेक्ष्य में हमें BSNL बोर्ड द्वारा रिटायरमेंट की उम्र 60 से घटा कर 58 करने की कोशिश का पुरजोर विरोध करना है। अतः AUAB ने BSNL के समस्त एग्जीक्यूटिव और नॉन एग्जीक्यूटिव से BSNL बोर्ड द्वारा रिटायरमेंट की उम्र 60 से घटा कर 58 करने के प्रस्ताव के विरोध में लंच अवर्स में देशव्यापी  प्रदर्शन आयोजित करने का आव्हान किया है।

AUAB और BSNL मैनेजमेंट के बीच मीटिंग....
AUAB और BSNL मैनेजमेंट के बीच आज 10.00 am पर मीटिंग सम्पन्न हुई। मैनेजमेंट की ओर से श्री अरविंद वडनेरकर, डायरेक्टर (HR), श्री शीतला प्रसाद, डायरेक्टर (CM) व श्री ए एम गुप्ता ,GM (HR) उपस्थित थे। AUAB की ओर से BSNLEU, NFTE, SNEA, AIBSNLEA, FNTO, BSNLMS, SNATTA, ATM BSNL, BSNL OA और TOA BSNL के जनरल सेक्रेटरीज/ प्रतिनिधि ने मीटिंग में शिरकत की। मीटिंग में   18-10-2019 की भूख हड़ताल हेतु दिए गए AUAB के मांग पत्र में शामिल मुद्दों पर चर्चा की गई। मैनेजमेंट पक्ष की ओर से सूचित किया गया कि कैबिनेट द्वारा BSNL के रिवाइवल पैकेज पर इस माह की 23 तारीख के आस पास निर्णय लिए जाने की संभावना है। उन्होंने यह भी विश्वास व्यक्त किया कि, एक बार ज्यों ही कैबिनेट द्वारा द्वारा BSNL का रिवाइवल पैकेज क्लियर कर दिया जाएगा, बैंक्स BSNL को क्रेडिट देने के लिए आगे आएंगे और इससे BSNL के रिवाइवल के लिए माकूल स्थिति निर्मित होगी। AUAB के प्रतिनिधियों ने सितंबर 2019 के वेतन का भुगतान न होने पर अत्यंत नाराजगी व्यक्त की। साथ ही, उन्होंने सेवा की गुणवत्ता में सुधार, खर्च में कटौती और कंपनी के राजस्व में वृद्धि से सम्बद्ध मुद्दे भी उठाए। उन्होंने स्पष्ट रूप से कहा कि कॉर्पोरेट ऑफिस द्वारा कॉन्ट्रैक्ट वर्कर्स की छंटनी हेतु जारी पत्र और साथ ही उनके वेजेस का भुगतान न करने की वजह से संचालन और संधारण (operation and  maintenance ) कार्य विपरीत रूप से प्रभावित हो रहे हैं। मैनेजमेंट पक्ष ने विश्वास दिलाया कि सितंबर 2019 के वेतन का भुगतान 23.10.2019 को कर दिया जाएगा और भूख हड़ताल वापस लेने का आग्रह किया। AUAB के प्रतिनिधियों ने कहा कि वेतन का भुगतान कम से कम 21.10.2019 तक कर दिया जाए। इसी बीच, यह बताया गया कि CMD 3.00 pm पर AUAB से मुलाकात करेंगे। अतः मीटिंग समाप्त की गई।

CHQ has already called upon the circle and district unions to organise a “Meet the Workers" programme from 30.12.2019 to 06.01.2020, for mobilisng the employees to participate in the General Strike being held throughout the country on 08.01.2020. The leaders and active workers have to meet all the workers during this period, distribute pamphlet and canvas them to join the General Strike. The anti-worker and pro-corporate policies of the Narendra Modi government should be explained to the employees during this campaign programme. Similarly, the CHQ has also called upon the circle and district unions to organise rallies / human chains on 07.01.2020 as a mobilisation for the General Strike. All the circle and district secretaries are requested to organise the above mentioned programme effectively and to send reports and photos to the CHQ.

1) Com. Parimal, Valsad district  -  Rs.10,000/-

2) Com. Sunil J Thakar, DS, Bhuj - Rs.5,555/-

3) Com.M.K.Dave, Former Vice-President (CHQ) - Rs.5,000/-

4) BSNLEU, VALSAD district union -Rs. 5,000/-

CHQ heartily congratulates all the above mentioned comrades.

BSNLEU has already given call for organising lunch hour demonstrations on 21.05.2020, by maintaining social distance. CHQ hopes that the circle secretaries would have already contacted all the district secretaries by this time, regarding the programme. Once again, CHQ urges upon the circle and district unions to organise the programme effectively. CHQ wishes to give the following guidelines regarding the programme:-

1. The lunch hour demonstrations should be compulsorily organised in all circle and district head quarters. It is being organized at the Corporate Office also.
2. Social distancing should be compulsorily maintained while conducting the programme. 
3. Placards / posters should be displayed during the demonstration.
4. Steps should be taken to arrange media coverage for the programme.
5. Photographs of the programme, with details should be sent to the CHQ, for website updating.