[02.07.2009]Good News - Promotion Policy approved by DoT:- Promotion Policy for BSNL Non-executives cleared by Secretary, DoT. BSNLEU CHQ is meeting management for immediate implementation of the same.                                          VAN Namboodiri, GS.

[02.07.2009]Circular No. 11 dated on 01.07.2009 <<click here>>

[02.07.2009]Defeat the Disruption:- Certain unions in collaboration with management are circulating a copy of representation to be sent to CMD BSNL declaring willingness to accept what has been offered by management on wage revision. This is nothing but a trap against the interests of the BSNL Workers for getting a better wage revision like in other major PSUs.

Earlier, a similar representation accepting managements offer of interim advance (4 months) floated by these unions were completely defeated by the workers. United Forum through a strike agreement got 6 months advance and new HRA rates for workers.

Now again, the present nefarious move has also to be defeated. Mir Jafirs and Jayachandras can not allowed to cheat the workers.

[02.07.2009]All India Trade Union Class:- All India Trade Union Class will be organized by BSNLEU at EMS Academy at Thiruvananthapuram from 6th to 8th July, 2009. Com. M.K. Pandhe, President, CITU, Dr. Prabhat Patnaik, Dy. Chairman, Plg. Commission, Kerala, Com. Prabir Purkayashta, Delhi Science Forum, Com. Prasanna Kumar, General Secretary, CITU, Karnataka and Com. V.A.N. Namboodiri, General Secretary, BSNLEU will take the classes. In addition to Central Executive Committee members, each circle can depute two more comrades to the class. Circle Secretaries are requested to intimate their arrival, return journey etc. to Com. K. Mohanan, Circle Secretary, BSNLEU, Kerala Mob: 94470 75858 or Com. R. Muralidharan Nair, Asst. General Secretary, CHQ, Mob: 094470 06262.

GS, BSNLEU Meets CMD, BSNL Coms.V.A.N.Namboodiri, General Secretary, BSNLEU and M.S.Kadian, Circle Secretary, Haryana Circle met Shri Kuldeep Goyal, CMD, BSNL and discussed the following:

Promotion Policy: General Secretary pointed out that the file is pending with Secretary, DoT and requested CMD,BSNL to ensure early approval by DoT and implementation. CMD assured to do the needful early.

Wage Revision: General Secretary requested CMD that Director (HRD) be appointed as the Chairman of the Wage negotiation committee in place of Shri R.K.Batra, PGM (IR) who retired on 30-06-2009. CMD agreed to examine the proposal in consultation with Director (HRD).

GS met GM (Estt.) and discussed the following:

1.  Prequalifying examination for TMs  for promotion to TTA

2. Grant of HRA at 10 % to the dependent areas of Gurgaon . GM agreed to take necessary action in the   matter.

Latest news <<click here>>

Extended Meeting of CPSTU was held at Kochi on 27^th June, 2009 to discuss about Wage Revision in PSUs, struggle against disinvestment etc. Coms. V.A.N. Namboodiri, General Secretary, R. Muralidharan Nair, AGS, A.V. Kuriakose, Circle President, K. Mohanan, Circle Secretary, K. Padmanabhan, N. Ramesan, Circle Org. Secretaries, P.S. Peethambaran, District Secretary, Ernakulam and Honey Kumar, Branch Secretary participated.

See the declarations adopted by the convention and the letter to Dr. Manmohan Singh, Prime Minister signed by Central Trade Union Centres. <<click here>>

Orders for LDCE for promotion to TTA issued:-As demanded by BSNLEU the orders for LDCE for promotion to TTA have now been issued. Orders regarding qualifying examination for eligibility to appear for those not having 10+2 qualification will be issued soon as agreed in the National Council Meeting.<<click here>>

TUI Congress at Brazilia, Brazil: - Com. P. Abhimanyu, Dy. General Secretary, BSNLEU will be attending International Congress of the Trade Union International of Public & Allied Employees, being held on 28^th and 29^th June, 2009 at Brazilia, Brazil as the delegate from BSNL Employees union. He leaves for Brazilia on 27^th June, 2009 and will return on 6^th July, 2009.

Transfer of Telegraph Traffic staff of CTO, New Delhi presently working in BSNL Corporate Office to BSNL Corporate Office alongwith the post <<order>>

General Secretary Meets Secretary, DoT on Wage Revision and Promotion Policy:- Com. V.A.N. Namboodiri, General Secretary, BSNLEU met Shri Sidhartha Behura, Secretary, DoT on 24^th June, 2009 and discussed the following issues:

1.      Promotion Policy : - Com. Namboodiri requested for early approval of the promotion policy for non-executives in BSNL which has been forwarded to DoT by BSNL Management. Secretary DoT assured early approval of it.

2.      Wage Revision:- General Secretary, BSNLEU requested secretary, DoT that approval be granted for 5 year periodicity for wage revision, which has been referred to DoT by BSNL. Secretary asked about fitment % etc. He stated that the file is yet to reach him and will take necessary action after examination of the case.

Meeting with Member (Services):- Earlier Com. Namboodiri, General Secretary, BSNLEU discussed the same issue, with Shri V.K. Shukla, member (services), DoT. He stated that promotion policy has been submitted to Secretary, DoT. He will go through the file regarding wage revision for 5 year periodicity as soon as it is received by him.

Examination for promotion to TTA and TM being notified: - Com. V.A.N. Namboodiri, General Secretary, BSNLEU met Shri D.P. De, GM (Estt.) on 24.06.2009 and discussed about the holding of examination for promotion to TTA and TM as assured in National Council Meeting. GM (Estt.) stated that the notifications for the above two examinations will be issued shortly.

[25.06.2009] 100 Day's programme in BSNL <<click here>>

[24.06.2009]A letter to Secretary, Department of Pension & Pensioner's Welfare - Merger of 50% IDA for the BSNL absorbed employees retired before 1-1-2007 <<click here>>

[24.06.2009]A letter to Secretary, Department of Pension & Pensioner's Welfare - Pensionary benefits to the DoT officials absorbed in BSNL, but retired within ten months after formation of BSNL <<click here>>

[24.06.2009]A note on the discussions / decisions of the National Council meeting, held on 23.06.2009<<click here>>

[20.06.2009]Wage negotiation of non-executive employees in BSNL - Minutes of the meeting held on 05.06.2009 <<click here>>

[20.06.2009]A brief report on the deliberations of the Committee for Review of the Medical Policy - Telemessage July'09<<click here>>

[19.06.2009]Transfer of EPF balance from one EPF region to another EPF region. <<order>>

[16.06.2009]Don't misread the mandate - Telemessage Editorial <<click here>>

[16.06.2009]8th Meeting of BSNL Staff Welfare Board - Regarding decision taken <<click here>>

[16.06.2009]Meeting with GM (Estt.) BSNL CO: - Com. V.A.N. Namboodiri, General Secretary, Com. K.R. Yadav, Vice President, Com. P. Asokababu, AGS, and Com. Swapan Chakraborty, AGS, BSNLEU met Shri D.P. De, GM (Estt.), BSNL CO today (16.06.2009) and discussed the issues related to compassionate appointments and casual labour. The GM (Estt.) stated the following:-

1. Compassionate appointment cases are being settled as per priority, based on date of death of the expired official. Settlement of compassionate appointment cases will be expedited.

2. On our demand for payment of advance for TSMs pending their wage revision, a proposal was put up for the consideration of the management.

3. Revision of casual labour wages on CDA pattern is under consideration.

4. On the demand of the union for regularization of casual labour management appointed a committee to examine the same.

 [16.06.2009]A letter to CMD - Absorption of ITS Officers <<click here>>

[16.06.2009]A letter to GM (Estt.) - Revision of wages of Casual Labour <<click here>>

[12.06.2009]Appeal to BSNL Executives & Non-Executives <<click here>> <<hindi version>>

[11.06.2009]Promotion Policy and DA merger for retirees

Com. P. Asokababu, AGS and Com. K.R. Yadav, Vice President, BSNLEU met the DDG (Estt.), DoT, Shri A.K. Das today (11.06.2009) and discussed the above issues, and the following is the position:-

 (1)  Promotion policy is under active consideration and DoT’s approval is likely to be given early.

 (2)  After DPE’s objection regarding DA merger for retirees (for those retired before 01.01.2007), the DoT’s legal call was consulted and now the case is being processed for forwarding to Department of Pension for its approval.

[10.06.2009]Circular No. 10 dated on 10.06.2009 <<click here>>

[10.06.2009]Joint Forum Resolution <<click here>>

[10.06.2009]Meeting with Director (HRD) on 09.06.2009 <<click here>>

[10.06.2009]Committee on Change of Designations met on 09.06.2009:- Committee to recommend changes of Designation met yesterday. The Staff Side suggested new designation for certain cadres. Next meeting is fixed for 16.06.2009. Coms. V.A.N. Namboodiri, P. Abhimanyu and other committee members attended from staff side.

[09.06.2009] Joint Forum writes to BSNL Workers Alliance on joint action against IPO / Disinvestment <<click here>>

[09.06.2009] Joint Forum press release dated on 09.06.2009 - BSNL Workers oppose IPO/Disinvestment <<click here>>

[09.06.2009] Meeting of the Joint Forum held on 8th June 2009 adopted resolution strongly opposing IPO / Disinvestment <<click here>>

[09.06.2009] Meeting with CMD: - Com. V.A.N. Namboodiri, General Secretary, BSNLEU met Shri Kuldeep Goyal, CMD BSNL, on 8^th June 2009 and discussed the following issues. 

1. Expediting Tender for 63 million GSM lines.
2. Introduction of Vehicle Policy.
3. Implementation of Maternity Leave, Child Care Leave etc. in BSNL. For Details <<click here>>

Wage Negotiation meeting on 05.06.2009

In the meeting of the Wage Negotiation Committee held on 05.06.2009, the management side informed that the issue of 5 year periodicity for wage agreement was referred to DoT on 03.06.2009 for its approval. The union pressed the management to agree for fitment benefit on par with top executives, on Pay+78.2% of pay instead of Pay+68.8% of pay. The Management Side said that for BSNL executives, the issue of granting fitment benefit on Pay+78.2% of pay was not yet decided by the management. Union said that in several PSUs this was already accepted and implemented for the executives. Management agreed to examine. Discussion took place on the demands like increment at the rate of 5% on basic pay, Grant of two increments for pay fixation on promotion, perks and allowances on par with executives and pension scheme for BSNL recruitees. The discussion was inconclusive.

Com. V.A.N. Namboodiri, General Secretary, Com. P. Asokababu, AGS, and Com. K.R. Yadav, Vice President, represented the BSNLEU. Next meeting of the committee is likely to be held in next week.

[02.06.2009] Wage Revision discussions to resume

The Staff Side walked out from the meeting of the Wage Revision Committee on 22^nd April, 2009, due to the negative attitude adopted by the Management, on the question of Interim Relief and implementation of the New HRA Rates. However, a settlement is reached between the United Forum and the management on 18.05.2009, in the back drop of the two day's strike notice issued by the United Forum. Consequent upon this settlement, management has fixed date for holding the meeting of the Wage Revision Committee on 5^th June, 2009.

[02.06.2009] Meeting of the Steering Committee of the United Forum

A meeting of the Steering Committee of the United Forum is held in the National Council Office, on 2^nd June, 2009. Coms. V.A.N. Namboodiri, GS, P. Abhimanyu, Dy. GS and Swapan Chakraborthy, AGS represented BSNLEU. Com. V. Subburaman, GS, TEPU, Com. N.D. Ram, National President SEWA BSNL, Com. Suresh Kumar, GS, BSNL MS, Com. Hakkam Singh (SNATTA) participated. Based on the inputs given by the management, detailed discussion took place on the change of designation of No-Executives. It was decided that one more round of discussion in the Steering Committee will take place on 8^th June, 2009, before discussion with the Management.

[02.06.2009] Meeting of the Joint Committee for change of designations of Non-Executives.

The first meeting of the Joint Committee for change of designations of Non-Executives took place on 01.06.2009 at 1100 hrs. Staff Side is represented by Com. V.A.N. Namboodiri, GS, BSNLEU, Com. P. Abhimanyu, Dy. GS, BSNLEU, Com. V. Subburaman, GS, TEPU and Com. Hakkam Singh (SNATTA). The official side is represented by Shri Deepak Aggarwal (DGM Restg.) and Shri P.K. Mishra (DGM, Estt.). Informations relating  to the various cadres existing is BSNL and their respective strength were handed over to the Staff Side. A preliminary discussion took place on the basics of the change of designation. It is decided that the committee shall meet again on 8^th June, 2009. The last date for submission of the committee's report is fixed as 15^th June, 2009.

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[01.06.2009] Com. V.A.N. Namboodiri, GS, BSNLEU discussed the following issues with DoT Officers

1). 50% IDA Merger for BSNL retirees: - As per legal cell (DoT) advise, the matter is referred to DoP&W, Govt. of India. CHQ is perusing the case.

2). Promotion Policy for Non-executives: - The matter is being examined by DoT. General Secretary, BSNLEU demanded for early approval.

[29.05.2009] The meeting of change of designation committee will be held on 1st June, 2009 at 1100 hours. Suggestions if any be immediately sent to CHQ

[28.05.2009] Formation of Joint Committee for change of designations of non-executives:- On the basis of the National Council decision, the management has now constituted the Committee for change of designations. The Committee is directed to finalise its report by 15^th June, 2009.

[28.05.2009] Wage Negotiation to re-start next week: - Com. V.A.N. Namboodiri, GS, BSNLEU met Shri Gopal Das, Director (HRD) and Shri R.K. Batra, PGM (IR), and Chairman, Wage Revision Committee and demanded early meeting on wage revision as per strike agreement. Both agreed to start the discussion early. It is expected that the meeting will be held by next week.

[16.05.09] Circle Executive Committee Delhi NTR calls for full Strike:- The extended CEC meeting of NTR Circle, held at Delhi on 15^th May 2009 fully endorsed the strike call and called upon all the workers in NTR Circle to go on strike on 19^th and 20^th May 2009 demanding early wage revision. Com. H.L. Makkar, Circle President presided. Com. V.A.N. Namboodiri, General Secretary spoke in detail on the demands. Coms. Mihir Das Gupta, AGS, Chidu Singh, R.S. Chauhan, Malhotra and others addressed.

[16.05.09] Chennai Telephones Convention on 14.05.2009 decided for massive Strike

The more than 1000 office bearers and activists of united Forum of BSNL Unions called upon Chennai BSNL workers to fully participate and make the strike on 19-20 May 2009 successful. The convention condemned the non-settlement of wage demands of management. Coms. V.A.N. Namboodiri, General Secretary, BSNLEU, Subburaman, General Secretary, TEPU, Thangaraj, Circle Secretary, BSNLEU, R. Gunasekhar, All India Organizing Secretary and other leaders addressed.

[15.05.09] Revised Pension Rules as per VI CPC for BSNL Retirees issued:- As assured by Shri R. Ashok, Member (Finance) to Com. V.A.N. Namboodiri, General Secretary, BSNLEU, orders have now been issued on 14.05.2009 by DoT raising DCRG limit from Rs. 3.5 to Rs. 10 lakhs and allowing revised Pension rules regarding Commutation table, emoluments, qualifying service etc. as per VI CPC recommendations.

[06.05.09]National Council Constituted. Conspiracy defeated!

At last, after much dilly dallying, the National Council has been constituted with the names of the official Side and the Staff Side. GM(SR) had earlier raised certain irrelevant objections to deny the formation. It was his contention that members from unions other than BSNLEU cannot be more than one third of the total number, and this condition is in accordance with the provisions of the Indian Trade Union Act which stipulates that more than one third office bearers cannot be outsiders. As can be understood by even a layman, this was an absurd argument. The Trade Union Act is concerned with election of office bearers of the union and it has no connection with the nomination to National Council. Further, the situation was similar after second and third verifications, and there was no objection from the management at that time.  The representative union has got the prerogative to nominate its representatives. This was accepted by the Director(HRD), but even thereafter constitution of the National Council was delayed. GS and other comrades of CHQ met CMD also. Now after much delay, the management has been compelled to constitute the National Council at last. The conspiracy of the GM(SR) against the recognised union  has been exposed and defeated. Congratulations to BSNL Workers!  

[02.05.09] Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Jayanti : - Bharath Ratna Baba Saheb Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Janma Jayanti was celebrated in the CTO Dormitory Hall, New Delhi. Com. Chhattar Singh presided. Shri Kuldeep Goyal, CMD, BSNL, Shri Ram Snehi, Secretary General, FBTO, Shri B.R. Jakhatia, Secretary General, SEWA BSNL, Shri Hari Singh, General secretary, BTU BSNL, Shri N.D. Ram, President, SEWA BSNL and others addressed.

Com. V.A.N. Namboodiri, General Secretary, BSNLEU paid his respectful homage to Baba Saheb Dr.B.R. Ambedkar and mentioned about his great contribution to the Nation and oppressed section of the Society. He also mentioned that BSNLEU has demanded that 14^th April, the birth day of Baba Saheb Ambedkar be declared as National Holiday. 

[01.05.09]   ONE HOUR WALK OUT ON 04.05.2009 : - BSNL management has arbitrarily issued order on 30.04.2009, granting very meager amount of  Interim Relief, equivalent to 4 months basic pay. CHQ BSNLEU condemns the decision of the management, granting paltry amount as IR, as well the arbitrary manner in which the order is issued.

United Forum of BSNL unions has given call to BSNL employees to walk out from duty/office, for one hour on Monday the 4^th May 2009. Mobilise the workers to give a fitting reply to the BSNL management’s high handedness.  

[30.04.09]  What is our demand on Interim Relief ?

Interim Relief is usually granted when the due wage revision is delayed. For Central Public Sector employees, wage revision is due w.e.f. 01-01-2007. Already, more than 27 months have elapsed. Management should have offered IR when there has been such long delay. Most of the other PSUs have granted either interim relief or pay advance much earlier. Even after BSNLEU/United Forum of BSNL Unions demanded interim relief, the management did not take any decision. The demand of the UF is that Interim Relief of 50% of pay or Rs. 3000/- whichever is more be paid. If it is pay advance, Rs. 50,000/- to Rs.80,000/- be paid. This is similar to what is paid in the other PSUs.

 The management first offered two months basic pay as advance. This will come to Rs.8,000/- at the lowest level. After much discussion in the meeting on 29-04-09, CMD offered 4 months basic pay ie. Rs. 16,000/- at the lowest level. We could not accept such very meagre advance. The workers are eligible  for increase for the last 27 months since 01-01-07.Even if an advance of Rs. 1000/-  p.m. is calculated, then it will come to Rs. 27,000/.It is pertinent to note here that in the conversion from CDA to IDA in 2000, all officials got more than Rs.1500/- p.m. But the management is not prepared to see reason and comparison with other PSUs and concede our demands.

 United Forum is not adamant that whatever it demanded should be fully accepted. But there is always a bench mark below which it is impossible to agree.

 When even the lowest executive is being paid Rs. one lakh as arrears (40% already paid and 60% being paid in 2008-09), leave alone the top executives who are being paid arrears of about 6 lakhs or so, why the non-executives can not be paid even half of it? Can we accept such meagre offer?  Certainly not.

 Let us seriously prepare for the two days strike on 19-20th May 2009. Meet each and every worker and explain our demands and the management's negative response.

<<More on Archives>>

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Press Release dated on 01.05.2009 BSNL Workers organise one hour protest walk-out on 4th May 2009 <<click here>>

Press Release dated on 24.04.2009 - BSNL Employees observed mass-fast on duty on 24th April throughout the country <<click here>>

Press Release dated on 05.03.2009 - Central Executive Committee of BSNL Employees Union holds its meeting in New Delhi <<click here>> <<photos>>

Press Release dated 27.02.2009 on Nationwide demonstration of BSNL Employees urging immediate wage revision <<click here>>

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[28.04.09]Workers will isolate those who support management  offer on wage revision <<click here>> <<Hindi version>> 

[15.04.2009] PAMPHLET ON WAGE REVISION: Circle/ District/ Branch Secretaries are requested to translate it in local languages and give wide publicity among all employees to prepare for struggle to achieve a better Wage Revision.<<click here>> <<Hindi version>>

Only Recognised Union can negotiate with management on Interim Relief. BSNL informs NFTE, FNTO<<click here>>

Minutes of the 2nd exploratory meeting on Wage Revision for Non-executive Employees in BSNL held on 15th December, 2008<<click here>>

 [More>>>] 

[04.06.2009] A letter to Director (HRD) - Relaxation in qualification marks for the LDCE for TTA exam held in 2006 and supplementary examination there after, as granted in the case of direct recruitment examination for TTA, 2008.<<click here>>

[02.06.2009] Enhancement of the quantum of Maternity Leave and introduction of Child Care Leave in BSNL - Letter to Shri Gopal Das, Director (HRD). <<click here>>

[27.05.2009] CHQ has demanded CMD BSNL to immediately stop implementation of HRA-CCA revision for non-executives in A1 cities, so that there is no reduction of wage due to CCA dispensation. <<click here>>

[27.05.2009] CHQ BSNLEU has demanded meeting of the Wage Negotiation Committee immediately for discussion on wage revision. Com. V.A.N. Namboodiri, GS, met Shri Gopal Das, Director (HRD) on 27.05.2009 in this respect. Director (HRD) agreed to hold the meeting early. <<click here>>

[25.05.2009] Union demands Payment of 4 + 2 months basic pay as Interest Free Salary Advance to TSMs - A letter to GM (Estt.), BSNL <<click here>>

[21.05.2009]  HRA -CCA for Non - Executive of BSNL posted in A -1 Cities Protection reg. -  Letter to Shri D.P. Dey, GM (Estt), BSNL Co dated 21-05-2009 <<click here>>

[06.05.09] HUNGER STRIKE AND ONE HOUR WALK-OUT ON 04.05.2009 - LETTER TO SHRI SHAKEEL AHMED, GM(SR), BSNL CO. <<click here>>

[05.05.09] Letter to All General Secretaries of Registered unions of BSNL, appealing for Joint action <<click here>>

[23.04.09]United Forum rejects the paltry Interim Relief and fitment offered by management - Letter from Shri Gopal Das, Director (HRD) to Com. V.A.N. Namboodiri, General Secretary, BSNLEU and Reply from Com. Namboodiri to Shri Gopal Das  <<Reply of GS>>  <<Ltr. of Director (HRD)>>   <<Hindi version>>

[23.04.09]A letter to PGM (IR) - Walk-out from wage negotiation committee due to unreasonable attitude of the management <<click here>>

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BSNL endorses DOT order on revised pension rules.<<order click here>>

Instructions to CGMs regarding improper implementation of the Employees Transfer Policy.  <<click here >>

CONGRATULATIONS ! AS PER STRIKE AGREEMENT WITH UNITED FORUM / BSNLEU ON 18-05-2009, BSNL Management has issued orders vide 1-22-/2009-PAT (BSNL) dated 20-05-2009 granting 2 months pay as additional advances and HRA at new rates 30%, 20% and 10% w.e.f. 27-02-2009 << orders click here>>

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United Forum Calls to Organise Protest Day on 27th February, 2009 - Notice to CMD BSNL <<click here>>

Joint Forum notice to CMD, BSNL on agitational programme for absorption of ITS <<click here>>

Opinion Poll on IPO <<click here>>

Joint Forum of BSNL Associations/Unions of Executives/Non-Executives in it's meeting held on 17.09.08 has unanimously resolved to seek immediate repatriation of BSNL employees & executives to DoT from BSNL. <<Resolution>>