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25 July, 2015:UP(East) Casual Contract Workers on Struggle.
As per decision of the BSNL Casual Contract Workers Federation, UP(East) Circle, dharnas participated by a large number of casual contract workers were held in the SSA head quarters on 21-22 July demanding payment of wages for the last many months, payment of minimum wage, implementation of ESI, EPF etc. Despite many representations wages for 6-7 months are yet to be paid in most of the SSAs. Not even one half of the Minimum wage fixed by the Labour Department is paid. Brutal exploitation is continuing, despite clear orders from the CMD BSNL based on the labour laws. It is against this brutal exploitation that the dharna has been organised. We heartily congratulate the workers for the excellent dharna. We demand the BSNL Management to accept the demands of the workers and implement the government decisions on payment of wage, EPF, ESI etc.
25 July, 2015:Kerala Casual Contract Workers struggle continues.
The Indefinite Hunger Strike by the BSNL Casual and Contract Labour Union (CCLU) in Kerala in front of the CGM Office continued for the 17th day. Various trade union organisations visited and extended solidarity. A 'Struggle Support Committee' including various Federations and Trade Unions was formed with Com. Sivan Kutty, MLA as Chairman and Com. K.Mohanan, Circle Secretary BSNLEU as Convener. Leaders of many trade unions including CITU, BSNLEU, SNEA, NFPE, Confederation of CG Employees and Workers, BEFI, Kerala NGO Union etc. are members of the Committee. The Committee demanded the BSNL Management to discuss the demands with the CCLU and settle the same without further delay.
BSNLEU, Kerala Circle, has organised 48 hours day-night massive Satyagraha in front of the CGM office, Thiruvananthapuram on 22-23 July 2015 demanding immediate settlement of the demands including increase in the minimum wage, upgradation of workers etc. BSNLEU and CCLU together are organising a massive March to Residence of CGM Thiruvananthapuram on 28th July as part of the struggle. We demand the BSNL Corporate Office and Kerala Circle to discuss the issue with the Unions and settle the demands urgently.
25 July, 2015:CCLU Agitation in Kerala – Solidarity by BSNLEU, AIBDPA etc.
The casual contract workers in BSNL, Kerala Circle are on an agitation from 22nd June, 2015. Then they started an indefinite hunger fast before the CGMT office from 6th July,2015 as there has been no positive response from the Circle administration to settle the genuine demands. The leaders of the BSNL CCLU , Kerala Circle are participating in the fast. Though a conciliation meeting was held at the initiative of the Chief Labour Commissioner, Kerala, the talk failed as the Circle administration failed to send a responsible officer with proper authority to the said meeting. The CGMT is playing a hide and seek game in the agitation by his conspicuous absence in the office most of the period. At the same time he is making all sort of provocations by issuing memos virtually banning the agitation. He has also dared to victimize the BSNLEU leaders including the Circle Secretary alleging participation in the agitation.
It is in this background that BSNLEU Circle Union was compelled to call for a day/night dharna at all SSAs in Kerala on 22-23 July, 2015 demanding immediate intervention of the CGMT to settle CCLU agitation. The mass day/night Dharna before the CGMT office, Thiruvananthapuram was inaugurated by Com.Raju Abraham M L A on 22nd morning. Com.K.G.Jayaraj, General Secretary, AIBDPA, Com.P.V. Chandrasekharan, All India Patron, AIBDPA and a host of leaders addressed the dharna and offered support. (Courtesy: AIBDPA)
11 July, 2015:BSNL Kerala Contract Workers on struggle
BSNL Contract workers as per the call of the CCLU Kerala is on struggle on the basis of the Charter of Demands presented to the Management. These include higher wage, upgrading workers to skilled workers, against reducing of hours of work etc. After organising dharnas in front of GMs and CGM Offices, Circle Secretary, Com.N.R.Somasekharan Nair and Com. B.Babu, Asst. Treasurer are on Hunger Strike in front of CGM Office Thiruvananthapuram since 6th July 2015. Management had earlier called for discussion, but no settlement could be reached due to the adamant stand taken by the Circle management. BSNLEU Workers organised protest meetings in all centres against victimisation of Circle BSNLEU leaders for supporting the agitation and participating in the action programmes of the CCLU. BSNLCCWF CHQ demands the circle management to discuss the charter of demands with the unions, vacate the victimisation etc. thus paving way for a settlement.
11 July, 2015:Payment to TSM/Casual labour – Meeting with CMD BSNL
Com.VAN Namboodiri, President, BSNLCCWF, met Shri Anupam Shrivastava, CMD BSNL on 8th July and discussed about the payment of wages to the TSM/Casual labour. He strongly opposed the proposal to divert the payment through vendors instead of directly paying by ETR system. CMD agreed to look in to the matter. He was also of the opinion that there is no need to change the present system of direct payment.
03 July, 2015:BSNL Contract workers on struggle in Kerala Circle.
The thousands of casual/contract workers of BSNL in Kerala are on struggle demanding regularisation, increase in wages, implementation of EPF, ESI etc. The Satyagraha being held in front of offices of GMs has completed 10 days, but the management has not even called the CCLU for discussion. On 02.07.2015, Com.VAN Namboodiri, President BSNLCCWF inaugurated the satyagraha at PGM Office Kozhikode and expressed solidarity and support.
03 July, 2015:Victimisation of contract workers
Brutal exploitation of contract workers engaged in BSNL is taking place in many centres. After formation of BSNLCCWF, it goy many orders issue to safeguard the interest of the workers. However exploitation continues, sometime with the connivance of corrupt officers.
03 July, 2015:Meeting of BSNLCCWF at Bengaluru
A meeting of the BSNLCCWF, Bengaluru was held at the CITU office, Bengaluru on 29th June 2015. Comrades from Bengaluru as well as some comrades from nearby stations attended. The meeting was addressed by Comrades C.K.Gundanna, Circle President, Mahantesh, Circle Secretary, BSNLCCWF, H.V.Sudershan, Circle Secretary, BSNLEU and Cheluvaraju, All India Office-bearer, BSNLCCWF.
Com.V.A.N.Namboodiri, All India President, BSNLCCWF addressed the meeting and briefed the house about the present position of the demands of the casual and contract workers, the discussion with the Parliamentary Standing Committee, the 2nd September Strike, revival of BSNL, AIC at Kanyakumari and connected matters.
The meeting decided to organise agitational programmes for settlement of the urgent demands. It also unanimously decided to participate in the 2nd September strike called for by the Central trade Unions. The meeting also decided to strengthen the organisation by making all workers as members of the union.
30 May, 2015:J & K Casual, contract workers gherao state secretariat.
Hundreds of casual, contractual and daily wage employees gheraoed the J&K state secretariat on 28th May, demanding regularisation and other important issues. They were arrested and kept in custody by the police. The exploitation of these workers should end. They should be regularised. Justice should be meted out to them.
30 May, 2015:Meeting with CMD BSNL on Regularisation of Left Out Casual Labour.
Com. V.A.N.Namboodiri, President, BSNLCCWF met Shri Anupam Shrivastava, CMD BSNL, on 26th May 2015 and discussed about the regularisation of the left out TSM/Casual labours, numbering about 3500. Com. Namboodiri pointed out the various decisions on the issue as also the fact that regularisation has taken in similar cases in the Central Government departments. He also gave a detailed letter in the subject to the CMD BSNL. CMD BSNL was sympathetic and agreed to look in to the matter.
Com.VAN also met Smt. Madhu Arora, GM(Estt.) and discussed the various issues of the casual and contract workers like regularisation, gratuity, pay scale of the casual labour etc. GM(Estt.) agreed to examine all these matters.
08 May, 2015:Brutal Exploitation of Casual Contract Workers in BSNL.
I had thought that BSNL being a PSU and run by committed management, there will be not much exploitation of the casual and contract workers engaged in BSNL. I thought that the field management will be able to control the contractors and ensure minimum wage, EPF etc. to the contract workers.
But, unfortunately, this has not happened. In most of the circles, the contract workers are being paid very less than the minimum wage, some times even less than one third. Even after bringing these cases to the notice of the SSA management, neither action is taken against the contractor nor the latter is compelled to pay the minimum wages fixed by the labour Department and intimated by the CMD BSNL to the Circles/Districts.
And those leaders of the casual and Contract Workers Federation(BSNLCCWF), who are raising these issues are retrenched from work.
Is the BSNL management is hearing? Will they take any action?
08 May, 2015:Contractual Workers in Jammu and Kashmir on Struggle demanding Regularisation.
Police today used water cannons and batons to disperse hundreds of Jammu and Kashmir government employees who tried to march towards the Civil Secretariat here to protest in support of their demand for regularization of their services.
The contractual government employees of the Public Health Engineering Department assembled at Pratap Park here to protest in support of their demands, officials said. Ganashakti)
18 April, 2015Meeting of BSNL Management with BSNLCCWF on Strike Issues
The BSNL Management held a meeting with the representatives of BSNL Casual and Contract Workers Federation(BSNLCCWF) on 17th April 2015 on the demands raised by the Federation in its strike notice.
Shri Anupam Shrivastava, CMD BSNL, Smt. Sujata Ray (ED Finance), Shri Shameem Akthar, Sr GM(SR), Ms. Madhu Arora, GM( Estt.), Shri A.Sinha, GM(Admn) and Shri S.S.Agarwal, GM(Pers) attended from the Management. The BSNLCCWF was represented by Coms. V.A.N.Namboodiri, President, Tapas Ghosh, Secretary General BSNLCCWF and Swapan Chakraborty, Dy.GSBSNLEU.
All the issues including regularisation of casual/contract workers, wages, EPF, ESI, Gratuity and other issues were discussed in detail. The leaders strongly demanded for the implementation of the labour laws, minimum wage, EPF, ESI etc. There is not much improvement on the issues. Hence prepare for the strike in an effective way. Make all joint preparations with BSNLEU and Forum.
08 April, 2015:Meeting with the CMD BSNL
Com. V.A.N.Namboodiri, President Casual and Contract Workers Federation met Shri Anupam Shrivastava, on 06.04.2015, and discussed about the issues of the casual and contract workers. He gave a letter on the revised rates of the contract workers by CLC and wanted that the same be forwarded to the field officers. He also brought to the notice of the CMD the unjustified retrenchment of the entire 287 workers in Hazaribagh, 37 workers of Jamshedpur and 58 workers of Dhanbad and requested for their reinstatement. The brutal victimisation in Jamshedpur was also brought to the notice of the CMD with examples and demanded for the vacation of the same. The CMD assured favourable consideration and necessary action.
18 February, 2015:Delhi Government on regularisation of contract workers.
The AAP Government is on the move to regularise the thousands of contract workers who are engaged under the various ministries. The details of the same are being collected. In the meanwhile, the Kejriwal Government has issued instructions not to retrench any contract labour.
We congratulate the AAP Delhi government in considering the case of the toiling workers. We hope that the Government will regularise the contract workers at the earliest. We also demand the central government and the BSNL to regularise the casual and contract workers engaged by them.
18 February, 2015:CEC Meeting of BSNLCCWF W.Bengal Circle at Jalpaiguri
The Circle Executive Committee meeting of BSNLCCWF W.Bengal Circle was held at Jalpaiguri on 13-14 February 2015. Com.Tapas Ghosh, Secretary General BSNLCCWF attended on 13th and addressed the CEC and Com.V.A.N.Namboodiri, President addressed on 14th February 2015. The meeting discussed about the issue of the casual contract workers and decided to continue sustained struggle to settle the demands.
The Open Session on 14th was also addressed by Com. Namboodiri, who is also the National Convener of the Forum of BSNL Unions/Associations. It was also addressed by the leaders of the BSNL Unions/Associations. Circle President Com. Govinda Das presided. Circle Secretary Com. Tapas Ghosh submitted the report which was approved by the house. The discussion by the delegates were very educative and positive.
16 January, 2015:BSNLCCWF Meeting at Mysore
The BSNL Casual and Contract Workers Federation in Karnataka is a strong circle union and through sustained struggles have been able to attend to the issues of its members. A meeting of Mysuru SSA was held on 11th January at RTTC premises which was attended by about 100 comrades. Com.VANNamboodiri, President, addrrssed and spoke about the charter of demands, struggles organised etc. Com.Mahadevappa, CS, BSNLEU Mysuru, Dist. Secretary CCWF and other comrades addressed.
19 December, 2014:Meeting with GM (CA) on Gratuity to Casual labour.
Com. VAN Namboodiri, President, BSNLCCWF met Shri M.N.Punde, GM (CA), Corporate Office and discussed about provision of Gratuity to the families of expired casual labour as also to the casual labour who has completed sixty years and will be retiring. The details were explained. GM(CA) assured to look in to the matter.
19 December, 2014:Meeting with GM (Estt) on Gratuity to Casual Labours.
Com.V.A.N.Namboodiri, President, BSNLCCWF, met Shri RK.Goyal, GM (Estt), BSNL and discussed about the necessity of payment of Gratuity to the families of those casual labour who have expired and also to those who have completed 60 years and were disengaged from work. A letter with the list of names of concerned labour, was submitted. GM (Estt.) stated that this will be examined sympathetically.
29 November, 2014:Inhuman Victimisation of contract workers in Hazaribag.
BSNL Management in Hazaribag, jharkhand is continuing victimisation of the casual contract workers there. All the 287 workers are kept out of work since July 2013. What is their 'crime'? They went on strike demanding payment of minimum wage, EPF, ESI etc. as per government notifications and CMD BSNL orders. They were being paid only a fraction of minimum wage. Strike was withdrawn after assurance that orders will be implemented. But what happened is something else. All the 287 workers have been retrenched. No work is being carried out and maintenance is suffering. But the management is continuing its revenge and inhuman victimisation. The case is pending with Dy. Chief Labour Commissioner. BSNL C.O.is keeping silence despite the same brought to its notice. BSNLCCWF Jharkhand Circle is on the move to start agitation on these and other issues.
29 November, 2014:Convention of BSNLCCWF at Dhanbad
A state level Convention BSNL Casual and Contract Workers Jharkhand was held at Gandhi Sevasadan Dhanbad today, 28 November 2014. Com. Sudarshan Singh, District President, BSNLCCWF, presided over the meeting. Com.B.Narayan, Vice President, BSNLEU, welcomed all. Com.VANNamboodiri, All India President, BSNLCCWF, inaugurated the convention. He spoke in detail about the issues of the casual contract labour, strike yesterday, against victimisation and the need to strengthen the organisation. Comrades Naresh Lal, Circle Secretary, BSNLEU, Sudama Pal Circle Secretary BSNLCCWF, BN Singh, DS AIBDPA, Jameel Akthar BSNLCCFW and other comrades spoke. The doubts raised by the workers were answered by Com.Namboodiri. Jharkhand Casual Contract Workers Federation has conducted many struggles in the past and achieved gains. At the same time, union leaders were victimised both in Jamshedpur, Dhanbad and Hazaribag. BSNLCCWF has taken up the case with C.O.
29 November, 2014:Discussion with Casual Contract workers in Jharkhand
After reaching Dhanbad,along with Coms.Naresh Lal, Circle Secretary, B.Narayan, Vice President BSNLEU and Sudama Pal, Circle Secretary BSNLCCWF I met the large number of casual contract workers who have come from the SSAs in Jharkhand and discussed with them about the problems they are facing. While improvements have taken place, many issues are still to be settled. Minimum wage, EPF / ESI are yet to be implemented in some SSAs.
25 November, 2014:BSNLCCWF UP(E) Circle Conference calls for Sustained Struggles.
The Circle Conference of BSNL Casual and Contract Workers Union, UP(E) Circle held on 22nd November, has decided to resort to sustained agitational programmes for implementation of minimum wage, social security measures like EPF, ESI etc. Accordingly Dharna will be organised at SSA level in December and CGM Office March in January 2015. The details will be decided by the CEC. The Open Session was presided by Com.R.S.Chauhan, Dist.President BSNLEU and Chairman Reception Committee. Com.V.A.N.Namboodiri, President, BSNLCCWF, inaugurated the Circle Conference. Coms.Premnath Rai, GS, CITU, UP, K.R.Yadav, Vice-President, BSNLCCWF, R.K.Mishra, CS, BSNLEU, Baij Nath Rajbhar( Lok Janshakti), Sanjay Pande, Advocate, High Court and other leaders addressed. The report on activities was presented by Circle Secretary com. S.P.Tiwari which wad adopted by the house. All the District Secretaries present spoke about organisation and issues. The Conference unanimously elected new office bearers with Com.R.K.Mishra as Circle President and Com.Jeet Lal Maurya as Circle Secretary and Com.VijayKumar as Circle Treasurer. The Circle Conference and high level discussion has inspired the workers and they are ready to go on struggle.
16 November, 2014:Historic CMD Office March by BSNL Casual Contract Workers
The Bharat Sanchar Bhawan March of the BSNL Casual and Contract Workers at New Delhi, held today, 15th October 2014, was really historic. It was a determined declaration of their rights and also a warning to the Management and the contractors that they will not any more tolerate the brutal exploitation continuing for a long time. It was a declaration that the workers will fight to be treated as human beings and not wage slaves.........<<click here>>
16 November, 2014:BSNL C.O. seeks details on Casual / Contract Labour from Circles.
Consequent to the meeting of the Parliamentary Standing Committee with the BSNLCCWF representatives and the BSNL Management, it has sought information with regard to the details of the casual and contract labour in BSNL as also the name of contractors, whether they are registered with EPF etc. from the BSNL Management.
BSNL Management has stated that 27 CGMs have given compliance certificates that all the labour laws, including payment of minimum wage, implementation of social security measures like EPF, ESI etc. When we stated that these are false reports, the management wanted us to give specific cases, where they are not implemented. BSNLCCWF written a large number of letters with specific instances of violation of labour laws in a large number of divisions, but they were never replied nor any remedial action taken. BSNL C.O. and for that matter CGMs, fully reiterated what the field officers have reported fully knowing that the reports are completely false. No action was taken against any contractor or officer for violation of the labour rules and brutal exploitation of the casual/contract labours who work for the BSNL through which they can maintain their poor families. But the contractors and sometimes the officers joined together for brutally exploiting the toiling labour.
14 November, 2014:Massive Bharat Sanchar Bhawan March by Casual and Contract Workers
Hundreds of Casual and Contract Workers have reached Delhi to participate in the Bharat Sanchar Bhawan March being organised tomorrow, 15th October 2014. More comrades will be reaching tomorrow from the nearby places. All delegates have been requested to reach the Eastern Court premises, next to Bharat Sanchar Bhawan by 10.00 A.M. Com. A.K.Padmanabhan, President, CITU will inaugurate the March. Senior Trade union and BSNLEU leaders will address the workers who have come from different parts of the country.
The March is the third action programme being organised by BSNL Casual and Contract Workers Federation (BSNLCCWF). It is being organised to focus the attention of the management on the long pending genuine demands of the workers and for urgent settlement of the same. A Memorandum detailing these issues will be presented to the CMD BSNL by the All India leaders during the March.
We seek the support of all BSNL employees and their Unions/Associations in this effort to end the exploitation of casual and contract workers and to get them justice.
30 September, 2014:Parliamentary Standing Committee Meeting on Casual/Contract Workers.
A meeting of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Labour was held on 29th September 2014, at Parliament Annexe. In addition to the Chairman and about 20 Members of Parliament, Chief Labour Commissioner, Central Provident Fund Commissioner and Chairman Employees State Insurance were also present. Evidence was taken from the BSNL Casual and Contract Workers Federation representatives. Coms. V.A.N.Namboodiri, President, Tapas Ghosh Secretary General, P.Abhimanyu, Vice-President and Animesh Mitra, Vice-President participated in the meeting. On the basis of the written Memorandum presented to the Chairman, Standing committee, Com. V.A.N.Namboodiri, President and other comrades presented the issues of regularisation of the TSM/Casual labour, Wages, DA, HRA, CCA etc. to be paid. The wage of the casual labour/TSM has to be on the basis of the BSNL payscale (IDA) and not on CDA, which is being paid at present. The non-implementation of minimum wage, EPF, ESI etc. for the contract labour was brought to the notice of Committee.
25 September, 2014:Convention of Casual/Contractual Workers roars against the retrograde policies of the Central Govt..<<click letter>>
24 September, 2014:Approach EPF Commissioners, wherever EPF is not implemented.
In the meeting with the Central Provident Commissioner, he has advised BSNLCCWF to approach the Provident Fund Commissioner in the area to ensure that the EPF is deducted and accounted.
All BSNLEU and BSNLCCWF leaders are requested to verify whether the EPF amount is deducted from the wages of casual/contract workers and remitted to the EPF Account. Wherever, it is not done, kindly approach the EPF Commissioner as advised by the CPF Commissioner.
24 September, 2014:Meeting with Central Provident Fund Commissioner.
A meeting called by the Central Provident Fund Commissioner was held today, 24th September 2014, at Bhavishyanidhi Bhawan, New Delhi at 11.00 hours on the issue of implementation of EPF to Casual/Contract/Sanitation workers in BSNL. Shri K.K.Jalan, CPF Commissioner, presided. From the BSNL Management Side, S/Shri R.K.Goyal, GM (Estt.) and A.K.Singhal, GM(Admn) were present. BSNLCCWF was represented by Com. V.A.N.Namboodiri, President.
The discussion took place on the basis of the letter furnished to the CPF Commissioner by BSNLCCWF. Com. Namboodiri explained in detail about the non-implementation of EPF for the contract workers in most of the states.Healso pointed out that both for the Casual and contract labour wherever it has been implemented, the date was from 2011 or so. He demanded that the EPF should be implemented from the date they were engaged or at least from 01-10-2000, the date when BSNL was formed. CPF Commissioner appreciated our point of view. He also stated that wherever EPF is not implemented, it can be brought to the notice of the EPF Commissioner there, who will take necessary action for implementation. The BSNL representatives asked the CPF Commissioner about the interest, penalty etc. if the EPF is implemented w.e.f. 01-10-2000.
We hope that the CPF Commissioner and BSNL management will take necessary action in the matter.
22 September, 2014:Meeting of Parliament Standing Committee on Labour on 29th September 2014
A meeting of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Labour will meet on 29th September 2014 to take evidence on the 'Deployment of Contract/Casual workers for perennial nature of jobs in BSNL'. BSNLCCWF has been invited to give evidence on the matter. Earlier BSNLCCWF given evidence thrice to the Standing Committee.
22 September, 2014:EPF Commissioner calls BSNLCCWF for meeting.
The Central EPF Commissioner, New Delhi has fixed a meeting with the BSNLCCWF and BSNL Management at 11.00 on 24 September to discuss about the 'Deployment of Contract/Casual Workers for perennial nature of jobs in BSNL' at the EPFO office. This is a preliminary meeting before the meeting of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Labour on 29th September 2014 on the same subject for which also BSNLCCWF has been invited to provide evidence. Comrades are requested to intimate the details about the implementation of the EPF to the Casual and Contract Workers in BSNL in their respective circles.
16 September, 2014:T.Nadu Agitation Successful, Contract Workers will be reinstated.
The agitation of BSNLEU and BSNLCCWF in T.Nadu has been withdrawn to day after discussion with Circle administration and settlement. The circle leaders of both the unions were on hunger strike for the last two days. Today there was massive mobilisation with more than 1500 workers participating in the hunger strike.
16 September, 2014:Massive Hunger Strike and Dharna by BSNLEU & BSNLCCWF in T.Nadu.
More than 1500 BSNLEU & BSNLCCWF workers are sitting on Hunger strike & Dharna in front of the CGM office T.Nadu demanding reinstatement of retrenched workers of Vellore. Com.S.Chellappa, Circle Secretary BSNLEU, Com. Vinod, Circle Secretary BSNLCCWF and other circle union leaders are leading the struggle. It is reported that CGM has called for discussion and the discussion is going on. We demand the management to settle the issue by reinstating the retrenched workers.
16 September, 2014:Casual Contract Labour Demands – Meeting by Parliament Standing Committee on Labour
The Parliament Standing Committee on Labour has fixed a meeting on 29 September and invited BSNLCCWF to attend the same. BSNLCCWF had given detailed memorandum on the non-implementation of minimum wage, EPF, ESI etc and also non- regularisation. Already evidence in detail has been submitted by the Federation.
19 August, 2014:Pune Meeting of Casual Contract Workers.
A meeting of casual and contract workers will be held at Pune on 20 August 2014. The important issues of the workers will be discussed thoroughly and decision taken. Com.V.A.N.Namboodiri All India President BSNLCCWF will address. Com. Nallawade, Circle Secretary, BSNLEU Maharashtra Circle is making all arrangements for the success of the meeting.
19 August, 2014:March to Bharat Sanchar Bhawan on 15 October 2014
As per decision of CEC meeting of BSNL Casual Contract Workers Federation (BSNLCCWF), a Bharat Sanchar Bhawan March will be organised on 15 October 2014 to focus the attention of the BSNL Management on the long pending demands. Circle Secretaries are requested to immediately intimate the number of comrades participating in the March and the date and time of arrival and departure. Nearby circles are requested to organise maximum participants. Make the March a big success!
16 August, 2014:Karnataka Casual /Contract Workers on the forward March
While I was attending the District Conference of BSNLEU Bangalore Circle Conference, BSNLCCWF Circle Secretary, Com. Mahantesh, Com.Cheluvaraj, All India Vice-President and a few other leaders of the BSNLCCWF came and met me. We discussed about the issues and the organisation.
Com.Mahantesh remitted Rs. 15,000/- towards the CHQ quota of membership. CHQ is financial difficulty and this remittance has come in time of need. We hope other units also will remit their quota without delay.
16 October, 2014:Historic CMD Office March by BSNL Casual Contract Workers
The Bharat Sanchar Bhawan March of the BSNL Casual and Contract Workers at New Delhi, held today, 15th October 2014, was really historic. It was a determined declaration of their rights and also a warning to the Management and the contractors that they will not any more tolerate the brutal exploitation continuing for a long time. It was a declaration that the workers will fight to be treated as human beings and not wage slaves.......<<click here>>
12 August, 2014:Meeting with GM (Admn.) BSNL on Casual and Contract Workers issues
Coms. V.A.N.Namboodiri, President, BSNLEU and BSNLCCWF, Animesh Mitra, Dy.GS BSNLEU and Vice-President BSNLCCWF and Lalan Sah met Shri A.K.Sanghal, GM (Admn) and discussed about the non-implementation of labour rules with regard to minimum wages, EPF, ESI etc. in many SSAs. Several letters were also given to the GM(Admn), indicating the violation of the orders in various SSAs. GM(Admn) assured to take action in the matter. The question of office for BSNLEU in Corporate office, holding of the Circle Council in C.O., selection of coach, Manager etc. for the sports, holding of the Welfare and Sports Committee etc. were also discussed. GM(Admn) assured early action in all these matters.
07 August, 2014:BSNLEU, Tamil Nadu Circle has given call for circle wide struggle, demanding reinstatement of 140 retrenched contract workers.
BSNLEU, Tamil Nadu circle, has given call for circle wide struggle, along with the Tamil Nadu Contract Workers Union, demanding the immediate reinstatement of 140 contract workers, who were retrenched in Vellore SSA. The talks held with the CGM, Tamil Nadu circle, in this respect, had failed. BSNLEU, Vellore SSA, along with the retrenched contract workers are conducting huger strike against the victimisation, since 01-08-2014. As per the call of the Circle Union, demonstrations are taking place throughout the circle on 05-08-2014. The agitation will intensify if the problem is not settled. CHQ heartily congratulates the Tamil Nadu Circle Union for fighting for the cause of the contract workers.
22 July, 2014:Meeting of CEC of BSNLCCWF.
The meeting of the available members of the Central Executive Committee of BSNL Casual and Contract Workers Federation held at New Delhi on 21st July 2014 has decided to continue with the struggle programmes already decided by the Bhubaneswar CEC Meeting and postponed due to the General elections. Com. V.A.N.Namboodiri, president, presided. Com. Tapas Ghosh, Secretary General presented the report of activities........<<click here>>
21 July, 2014:Meeting of available Committee Members of BSNLCCWF.
Meeting of available central committee members of BSNLCCWF will be meeting at New Delhi today to discuss about the agitational programmes for the settlement of the casual and contract labour issues. The details will be posted after the meeting.
21 July, 2014:Com. Om Prakash, General Secretary, BSNL Theka Mazdoor Union, reinstated. Congratulations!
We are happy to inform that Com.Om Prakash, General Secretary of the BSNL Theka mazdoor union Chattisgarh has been reinstated and taken back to duty. He was retrenched from work for union activities. He was taken back to duty after sustained pressure and discussion with the BSNLEU, Theka mazdoor Union and management. Our Hearty Congratulations to Com. S.C.Bhattacharjee, Circle secretary, BSNLEU and Prsident Theka Mazdoor Union and other leaders and workers for this achievement.
09 July, 2014:Corporate Office letter on non-implementation of minimum wages and social security measures like EPF & ESI to contract workers.<<view letter>>
27 June, 2014:TSM, Casual, Contract Labours issues discussed with Director (HR) BSNL.
Major issues of the casual and contract workers in BSNL were discussed between the Joint Action Committee of BSNL Non-Executive unions with Director (HR) BSNL today, 27th June. Coms. V.A.N.Namboodiri, President and P.Abhimanyu, General Secretary represented BSNLEU. The following issues were discussed:
1. Regularisation of TSMs/Casual labour: The JAC demanded that all the left out TSMs/Casual labour be regularised at an early date, as was done in Income tax, Customs etc. on a one time basis. In this connection, the DOP and T orders can be followed. There are about 3,350 TSM/CL, most of them in W.Bengal. The Management continued their position that since the Supreme Court orders against regularisation is there, they can not be regularised.
2. Payment of minimum Wage and implementation of ESI, EPF etc. for contract workers: The JAC pointed out that the Govt. as well as BSNL orders are not being implemented at field level. They cited many examples. The management stated that they will issue again directives to the CGMs/GMs in this matter.
3. Revision of wages of the casual labour and TSM based on the IDA pay scale: JAC leaders pointed out that the TSM/Casual labour are at present paid only the minimum of the CDA scales and it should be revised to IDA scale. The management did not agree. The JAC also pointed out that even the revised minimum of the CDA is not being paid. This will be examined.
18 June, 2014:"Regularise the contract workers to improve the economy", says the Economic Times.
The practice of engaging contract workers for jobs which are permanent in nature, has become a curse for the working class of our country. In fact, this is a serious problem for the trade union movement world over. The Central Trade Union Organisations are continuously conducting struggles for the upliftment of the contract workers. But the successive NDA and UPA governments that came to power at the Centre, had turned a deaf ear to the demands. Since the contract workers form 90% of the workforce, the economy of the country itself cannot advance, without bringing improvement in their working conditions. This fact has been amply made clear in the editorial of The Economic Times dated 12-06-2014. It is known to all that "The Economic Times" is the mouth piece of the corporates and the rich of our country. Still, the paper has realised that without regularising the contract workers, the economy of the country cannot progress. We reproduce hereunder, the relevant portion of the said editorial:-
"Today, nearly 90% of the country's workforce is in the unorganised sector, without health, insurance and other benefits. Regularising contract workers who perform the same work as their permanent counterparts will improve not just industrial relations but also aggregate demand I the economy, paving way for faster economic growth".
[Courtesy: BSNLEU website updated 13.06.2014]
01 May, 2014:Why BSNL Management is reluctant to implement Government Orders on Minimum Wage, EPF, ESI etc. for contract labours?
Almost every day, the BSNL Casual and Contract Workers Federation as well as BSNLEU are getting complaints from their units that the contract workers are not being paid the Minimum Wage as per the government orders, EPF and ESI are not implemented, wages are not paid through cheques or to the SB accounts of the worker etc.
The BSNL C.O. has issued clear orders on 5th november 2008 itself regarding payment of minimum wages and on EPF, ESI etc.after the issue was taken up by BSNLEU. Even after five years of the issue of the order and regular reminders by the C.O., the field units are not implementing the same. It seems that the CMD and other Directors and top management have no control over their GMs.Otherwise why they are blatantly violating the orders of the C.O.?
Or is there a secret understanding between the top management and SSA heads that though orders are issued by C.O., the field level officers need not implement them? Or is it an understanding between the field level officers and the contractors ?
The brutal exploitation of the tens of thousands of contract workers by the BSNL Management-Contractor nexus has resulted in loss of more than Rs. 50 crores to the contract workers. The BSNL Management should be ashamed that such exploitation is continuing in BSNL, a Public Sector Unit, with out any change.
The only way seems to be to organise mighty struggles to put an end to this exploitation and get justice to the toiling contract workers. Their due wages can not be allowed to be cheated by the nexus of some corrupt officers and the contractors.
Let us prepare for a serious struggle for getting justice to the contract workers engaged in BSNL.
24 April, 2014:Meeting with GM, (Admn) on issues of Contract Labour.
Com.V.A.N.Namboodiri, President, BSNLCCWF, had a detailed discussion with Shri A.K.Sanghal,GM(Admn), BSNL on the issues of the contract labour engaged in BSNL and the brutal exploitation of these toiling workers.
Com. Namboodiri explained in detail about the non-implementation of Govt./BSNL orders on minimum wage, EPF, ESI etc. by the contractor / local officers. In many places, even half of the minimum wage is not paid. EPF and ESI are also not implemented. Orders of the government as well as that of CMD BSNL are completely violated and put in to the dustbin. He demanded that serious and thorough action is to be taken to ensure justice to the contract workers engaged in BSNL.
The GM (Admn) assured that necessary action will be taken to get the orders implemented and minimum wages and social security measures ensured.
19 March, 2014:BSNLCCLU Kerala Convention
A Circle Convention of BSNL Casual Contract Labour Union, Kerala Circle was held on 19th March 2014, at Bankmen's Hall, Thiruvananthapuram. More than 500 workers from all parts of Kerala participated. Com. K.Mohan, Circle President BSNL CCLU and Circle Secretary BSNLEU presided over the Convention. Com. Somasekharan Nair, Circle secretary BSNL CCLU welcomed all the participants and the invitees.
Comrade K.N. Balagopalan, MP and President of the CCLU inaugurated the convention. He congratulated the CCLU Kerala for organising the 16 days strike through which many achievements could be made. He analysed the election situation and called upon the workers to support those who support them. Com.V.A.N.Namboodiri, All India President BSNLCCWF and BSNLEU explained in detail about the issues of the casual and contract workers and the struggles organised to achieve them. Coms. P.V.Chandrasekharan, Circle President AIBDPA and senior leader of P and T workers, R.Muralidharan Nair, AGS BSNLEU, A.V.Kuriakose, Circle President, BSNLEU, Suresh, AGS, BSNLCCWF, V.Bhagyalakshmi, Mahila Committee Convener, Ashok Kumar, Convener, Confederation, Trivandrum and other leaders addressed.
14 March, 2014:Dharna on 26th March postponed – BSNLCCWF
The Dharna at SSA level on 26th March and the Dharna at CGM Office on 23rd April 2014, called by the CEC of BSNL Casual and Contract Workers Federation are postponed considering the fact that the general election process has already started. The CHQ will discuss and intimate the new dates for the programme after the elections.
In the meantime, maximum propaganda amongst the workers can be organised on the issues of the casual and Contract workers in preparation for mighty struggles.
10 March, 2014:BSNLCCWF Demonstration on 26.02.2014
Mirzapur (UPE): - The Casual Contract Workers and BSNL employees under the leadership of BSNLCCWF & BSNLEU organized demonstration at Mirzapur (UPE) as per the call of the CHQ. Coms. Dinesh Tiwari, Tribhuvan, Suresh Chandra Bind Vijaya Kumar and other leaders addressed. The news was widely published in local newspaper.
Tamil Nadu: - The demonstration as per call of BSNLCCWF and BSNLEU on the demands of casual Contract Workers were held in all SSAs in Tamil Nadu circle. More than 200 comrades participated. The leaders of both BSNL & BSNLCCWF addressed and explained the demands.
Madhya Pradesh: - BSNL employees and Casual Contract Workers demonstrated an 26.2.2014 in front of SSAs office at Bhopal, Indore Jabalpur, Satna etc. The demonstrations were well attended. The demands of Casual and Contract Workers were explained by leaders.
Assam: - Well participated demonstrations were held in all SSAs of Assam and also CGM office at Guwahati. The demonstration was addressed by Coms. Bijoy Deka, CS, BSNLEU, Sankar Kumar for U.P BSNLCCWF, Bikas Baruch, call by only BSNLC CWF, Prasanth Baruch and others.
28 February, 2014:Contract Workers in Tarapur Atomic Power Station on Strike
4,000 Contract workers of Tarapur Atomic Power Station are on strike since 24th February demanding regularisation and for increasing pay scale. These workers are mostly from the families who have been displaced for the construction of the Atomic plant and have completed more than 7 years as contract workers.
Our full support and solidarity to the striking workers for a fully justified cause. The Government should take immediate action for the regularisation of these workers.
20 February, 2014:Circle Conference of BSNLCCWF, Assam at Jorhat.
The Circle Conference of BSNLCCWF, Assam Circle started at Jorhat on 19th February, 2014. The conference place was well decorated and was full of the red flags of the BSNLCCWF. The National Flag was hoisted by Com.V.A.N.Namboodiri, All India President and the Union flag was hoisted by Com. N.C.Chetia, Chairman of the reception Committee. All comrades paid homage to the martyrs by offering flowers.
Com.N.C.Chetia presided over the Inaugural Session. Com.V.A.N.Namboodiri, All India president, BSNLCCWF and BSNLEU inaugurated the Circle Conference. He spoke about the demands of casual and contract workers, the attack on the working class, the struggles to be organised etc. Coms. Bejoy Deka, Circle secretary, BSNLEU, Sankar Kumar Das and other leaders addressed. The Conference will continue on 20th February.
20 February, 2014:Meeting of BSNLEU, BSNLCCWF and AIBDPA at Guwahati
A meeting of the BSNLEU, AIBDPA and BSNLCCWF was held at the Conference Hall of the IQ building at Guwahati in the afternoon of 17th February, 2014. Com. Manavendra Saha, President, AIBDPA presided. Com. Bijoy Deka, Circle Secretary BSNLEU welcomed. Com.S.N.Sarma, Circle Secretary AIBDPA and other leaders addressed.
Com.V.A.N.Namboodiri, President BSNLEU & BSNLCCWF and Advisor AIBDPA addressed the meeting and explained the latest developments in the BSNL sector and the efforts being made by BSNLEU and the Forum of BSNL Unions/Associations for the improvement of the services as well as strengthening BSNL. He also spoke about the issues of the workers, the casual contract workers and the Pensioners. He called upon the members to be part of the mainstream of the workers and also fight both the neo-liberal policies being persued by the Government and the communal agenda by the fundamentalists. The questions raised by the workers were explained.
31 January, 2014:Belgaum Contract workers will start hunger strike on 3rd February
Against the non-implementation of the agreement by the BSNL Management for taking back the 284 contract workers retrenched earlier, the BSNLCCWF Belgaum unit has decided to go on Hunger strike w.e.f. 3rd February 2014. The BSNLEU and BSNLCCWF as also CITU are fully supporting the agitation. BSNLCCWF CHQ demands the BSNL Management to urgently take back the retrenched workers and engage them for work. Already the BSNL services have been adversely affected due to the retrenchment. BSNLCCWF fully supports the struggle and demands the management to settle the issues urgently.
29 January, 2014:Contract Workers in Delhi on strike for regularization.
The contract workers in the Delhi Transport is on strike demanding regularisation. The workers include drivers, conductors and other workers on contract. They are demanding that the promise given by the AAP be implemented without any further delay. Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's discussion with them did not reach any agreement and the strike is continuing.
29 January, 2014:President Obama to raise Minimum Wage of Contract Workers.
President Barak Obama is expected to announce an increase in the minimum wage of the contract workers in US to $ 10.10 (appx. Rs. 650) an hour. He will issue an executive order since the lawmakers are not prepared to increase the wages. Last year President Obama has pleaded in the Congress for wage increase, but it was not accepted by the latter. Hence the present executive order.
27 January, 2014:Dept. of Personal and Trg. calls for details of casual labour
The Department of Personnel and Training, Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pension vide its OM No.4901/31/2008-Estt(C) dated 2nd December, 2013 has called for details of the casual labours in all departments for an assessment of present status of the Casual Labour (Grant of Temporary Status and Regularisation) Scheme of 1993. Why the assessment is being made is not specifically mentioned. But at the same time, it mentions that there has been representations from many departments for regularisation of the casual labour.
In the BSNL, the management is completely against regularisation and is utilising the Umadevi case to deny regularisation even to those who have been working for more than 20-25 years for DOT/BSNL. Instead of trying to somehow give a job to these workers who have served the nation, the management is trying to find out reasons for denying them a livelihood.
Nothing else can be expected from a management which has taken decision to impose VRS to retrench 1 lakh employees to reduce the number of staff. Only through sustained and sacrificial struggles, the workers will be able to get themselves regularised.
27 January, 2014:An Appeal to the General/Circle/Branch Secretaries of BSNL Unions/Associations
Dear Comrades,
As you are well aware there are about one lakh casual and contract workers engaged in BSNL who are working in various capacities for the last 30 to 15 years in DOT/BSNL. Out of them about 3350 are casual workers who were eligible to be regularised as per the agreement at the time of formation of BSNL, but were not regularised due to administrative delay by the Circle/SSA heads. Minimum Wage as per Government/BSNL C.O. orders are denied to them at the field level. Social Security measures like EPF and ESI are not implemented though they are to be provided as per the laws of the country. The casual contract workers in BSNL are brutally and inhumanly exploited.
BSNL Casual and Contract Workers Federation has been continuously taking up the issues with the BSNL Management, Contractors, Parliamentary Standing Committee of labour, Communications minister, Labour Minister and even Prime Minister. While there has been some improvement, the situation continues more or less the same. In addition, the leaders and workers of the union are being retrenched and victimised. It is in this context that the Central Executive Committee of the BSNLCCWF has taken a decision to resort to agitational programmes to achieve the long pending demands and put an end to the continuing exploitation and against retrenchment and victimisation.
We seek support of all of you in our struggles and agitations so that our justified demands are conceded by the authorities.
The immediate programmes being organised are 1) Demonstration at SSA level on 26th February 2014 and 2) Dharna at SSA level on 26th March 2014.
Thanking you,
Yours Comradely,
V.A.N.Namboodiri /Tapas Ghosh
President / Secretary General
27 January, 2014:All Contract workers in Delhi Govt. will be made permanent.
One more poll assurance of the AAP is going to be implemented. More than one lakh contract workers in Delhi Government are going to be made permanent shortly. The High Level 13 Member Committee appointed to look in to the matter has been given time to furnish their recommendations within one month.
It is stated by the government that the workers at present being engaged will not be retrenched. The decision is hailed by the workers. The regularisation of contract workers in Delhi will enthuse the workers in BSNL also, who have already demanded regularisation and is fighting for the same.
27 January, 2014:Form BSNLCCWF wherever not formed so far.
The Central Executive Committee of BSNLCCWF held at Bhubaneswar held on 18-19 January 2014 has decided to form the Circle/District Branches of the union, wherever it is not formed so far. In the last CEC Meeting of the BSNL Employees Union it was decided to organise the same as early as possible, at least before the next CEC. The Circle /SSA Secretaries are requested to take initiative and form the circle/SSA branches of the BSNLCCWF at the earliest.
27 January, 2014:Haryana Contract Workers on struggle for Minimum Wage.
The more than 20 lakh contract workers in the Haryana state are on struggle path to get the state minimum wage increased. The minimum wage in Haryana is one of the lowest in the Northern states. While Delhi is having a minimum wage of Rs. 8,085, Gujarat Rs. 6.637, Punjab Rs. 6,240, and Maharashtra Rs. 5,800, the minimum wage in Haryana is only Rs. 5,342.(Of course, even these minimum wages are not being paid in many sectors through various dubious means).
The Minimum wages are to be refixed after every five years, but this has not been done in Haryana. Haryana Government has a record of anti-worker profile, which could be understood from the fact that how brutally it dealt with the strike in Maruti Suzuki in 2012. More than 100 workers are still jail on fabricated charges. The workers have gone on strike for equal pay for equal work and regularisation of contract workers. The managements in the Gurgaon-Mansoor area which are mainly auto sectors, with the factories of Suzuki and Hero Honda and other ancillary factories are notorious for their attack on the workers.
A meeting of the trade unions in the area have met and is planning to start serious agitation for improving the minimum wages. We support the fully justified struggle.
20 January, 2014:Allot vacant quarters to Casual and Contract workers
In many places, BSNL Quarters are kept vacant for want of occupants. This is more with the officers' quarters. These vacant quarters, due to non-use and non-cleaning quickly becomes damaged, dirty and a health risk. BSNLEU and Forum of BSNL Unions/Associations had demanded that such vacant quarters can be bulk-allotted to other central governments /state governments /PSUs etc. after a making agreements with them. In some places, this system has already been implemented getting some money through rent and resulting in keeping the quarters in good condition. We took up the case for allotment of vacant quarters to retired officials. This has been agreed, although the rent is on the higher side and has to be reduced.
Now there is one more scope if the quarters are still vacant. A demand has come in the CEC meeting of the BSNL Casual and Contract Workers Federation meeting that vacant quarters be allotted to BSNL Casual/Contract workers. This demand is reasonable and can be agreed by the BSNL Management. These workers have been serving DOT/BSNL for the last 20 years or so. We will take up the matter with the Management for a favourable decision.
20 January, 2014:2014 – "BSNL Casual and Contract Workers Year"
The CEC Meeting of the BSNLCCWF held at Bhubaneswar has declared to observe 2014 will as the "BSNL Casual and Contract Workers Year". Strengthening the organisation and continuing sustained struggle for achieving the demands will be the main targets. ORGANISE "BSNL CASUAL AND CONTRACT WORKERS YEAR" SUCCESSFULLY!
20 January, 2014:BSNLCCWF CEC Calls for Action Programmes
The Central Executive Committee Meeting of BSNL Casual and Contract Workers Federation (BSNLCCWF) held at Bhubaneswar has called upon the workers to organise sustained struggle to end the brutal exploitation and to achieve the fully justified and long pending demands. The CEC was inaugurated by Com.Janardhan Pati, President CITU Odisha and President of Reception Committee. Com.V.A.N.Namboodiri, All India President, BSNLCCWF presided. The Report of Activities presented by the Secretary General Com. Tapas Ghosh was discussed and approved.
The CEC discussed about the present situation, the demand of the workers, the organsational position etc. It adopted a Programme of Action on the 11 Points charter of demands including Regularisation of Casual and Contract labour, implementation of minimum wage, EPF, ESI etc. The CEC declared that 2014 will be observed as "Casual Contract Labour Year" and maximum efforts will be made to get the issues settled. An Open Session was held on 19th January near the GM Office premises which was attended by a large number of workers including regular workers who have from all parts of the state. Com. V.A.N.Namboodiri presided. Coms.Janardhan Pati, President, CITU, Odisha, Suresh Panigrahi, CITU and Vice-President BSLCCWF, P.R.Das, Circle secretary BSNLEU, Mohin Samal, Convener Confederation of CG Employees, Tapas Ghosh Secretary General and BSNLCCWF, Sahdev Biswal, Circle Secretary BSNLCCWF addressed. A procession was organised before the holding of the open session participated by a large number of workers. The CEC also decided to hold the next All India Conference in T.Nadu accepting the invitation from the T.N.circle. The Reception Committee was appreciated by all for the excellent arrangements made for holding the CEC meeting.
17 January, 2014:BSCLCCWF CEC starts tomorrow at Bhubaneswar
The Reception Committee of BSNLCCWF at Bhubaneswar has intimated that the CEC Meeting will be held at the Seminar Hall of BSNL RTTC. The Accommodation for the CEC Members will be at Transit Quarter P and T Colony, Van Vihar, Back side of RTTC.
16 January, 2014:AIBDPA Haryana Circle formed
The Circle Convention of DOT-BSNL Pensioners of Haryana Circle was held today, 16th January, at Hisar. A large number of Pensioners from all parts of the circle participated, despite very unpleasant and cold climate. The meeting was presided by Com. B.R.Ghai, Retired AGM.Com. Naresh Kumar, Circle president, BSNLEU, welcomed all and expressed satisfaction for the good participation. Com. V.A.N.Namboodiri, Advisor, AIBDPA, inaugurated the Convention and thanked the organisers. He spoke in detail about the issues of the senior citizens and Pensioners and the cases taken up by the AIBDPA, the prominent organisation of the DOT and BSNL Pensioners, including the pension based on the 2007 wage revision, medical issues, anomaly of 2000 pension revision,78.2% IDA pension fixation etc. He explained about the formation of the All India BSNL – DOT Pensioners Association and the growth and actions taken by the Association. Coms. M.S.Kadian, Circle Secretary BSNLEU, Kuldeep Singh, All India Asst. treasurer BSNLEU, Senior leader P.C.Tanwar and many other comrades addressed and expressed their happiness in forming the AIBDPA in Haryana. The Convention unanimously decided to form the Circle branch of the AIBDPA and elected Circle Office-bearers with Coms. M.S.Kataria as President, Hari Krishan Sharma as Circle Secretary and Gulshan Kumar Dhingra as Treasurer. The District Union of AIBDPA, Hisar SSA was also formed. It was decided that all SSA Branches in Haryana will be formed within the next two months. Congratulations to BSNLEU and AIBDPA comrades for the successful formation of the Circle branch of AIBDPA!
15 January, 2014:All Preparations for CEC of BSNLCCWF at Bhubaneshar.
The Reception Committee of Central Executive Committee of BSNLCCWF to be held at Bhubaneswar on 18-19 January has made all arrangements for the accommodation and conduct of the CEC in a good way. All the Comrades participating are requested to intimate their time of arrival, flight/train No. and time etc. to the Reception Committee (Com.Sahdev Biswal Mob: 09437006660) and Secretary General Com.Tapas Ghosh (Mob: 09434759450) with out fail to enable them to make arrangements for the reception and accommodation in time. Towards the Bhubaneswar Central Executive Committee with Determination for struggle and achievement!
13 January, 2014:BSNLCCWF West Bengal Circle Conference
The Circle Conference of West Bengal BSNLCCWF was held on 11-12 January 2014 at Kolkata. There was massive participation in the Open session. More than 1000 workers participated. 310 delegates attended. Com. Govinda Das, Circle President presided. The Conference was inaugurated by Com.Animesh Mitra, Dy.GS BSNLEU and Vice-President BSNLCCWF. Coms. Saibal SenGupta, Om Prakash Singh, Adhir Kumar Sen, Circle Secretaries of BSNLEU, Biplab Das, Tapos Banerjee, Circle Secretary BSNLCCWF Kolkata and other leaders addressed. The Report presented by Com. Tapas Ghosh, Circle secretary was adopted after discussion. The conference discussed about the issues of the casual and contract workers and took appropriate decisions. The Conference unanimously elected Coms. Govinda Das and Tapas Ghosh as President and Circle Secretary respectively. Congratulations to the West Bengal comrades who have conducted the Circle Conference successfully.
10 January, 2014:Circle Conference of BSNLCCWF, West Bengal on 11-12 January.
All arrangements are being made for the holding of the 7th Circle Conference of West Bengal on 11-12 January 2014. All india leaders including President, Com. V.A.N.Namboodiri, will be attending the same. West Bengal is one of the circles, which started organising the Casual and Contractual workers very early. Under the leadership of Coms. Animesh Mitra, Circle secretary BSNLEU (Dy GS BSNLEU also) and Tapas Ghosh, Circle secretary BSNLCCWF (who is also the Secretary General), the organisation has become strong and has been able to settle many issues. But the major issue, Regularisaion of the 2270 casual labour in the circle, is still pending due to the adamant attitude and unacceptable plea of the BSNL management that they can not be regularised in view of the judgment of the SC in the matter. The Circle conference will discuss all these matters and take suitable decisions. Best Wishes to the success of the Circle Conference!
09 January, 2014:BSNLCCWF Uttarakhand on agitation.
The BSNL Contract workers have been on Dharna in Uttarakhand Circle for the last few weeks on the demand of minimum wages and other demands. A discussion took place yesterday between the Management and the leaders of BSNLEU and BSNLCCWF circle unions led by Com.P.C.Kandpal, Circle Secretary BSNLEU. The agitation has been postponed after agreement was reached on certain demands. The other issues will again be discussed. Congratulations to the Uttarakhand Comrades!
09 January, 2014:BSNLCCWF, Hubli SSA, Files case against retrenchment.
The BSNL Causal and Contract Workers Federation, Belgaum SSA Unit has filed complaint before the Asst. Labour Commissioner (Central), Belgaum (Karnataka) against the retrenchment of 284 workers who have been continuously working for the last 12 years. The retrenchment is done as a vengeance and victimisation for taking up the issues of the contract workers and going on struggle for getting them implemented. The retrenchment has taken place on the initiative of the BSNL SSA management. This kind of victimisation has to be stopped.
07 January, 2014:All Preparations for the CEC Meeting of BSNLCCWF at Bhubaneswar.
The Reception Committee Convener and Circle Secretary, BSNLCCWF, Odisha, Com. Sahdev Biswal has intimated that all necessary arrangements are being made for the holding of the Central Executive Committee Meeting of the BSNLCCWF at Bhubaneswar on 18-19 January 2014.
He has requested that all CEC members may kindly intimate their arrival, train number, time etc. to the Reception Committee so that the TC make suitable arrangements to receive them. The information may be given to the Secretary General, Com. Tapas Ghosh also.
07 January, 2014:Uttarakhand Contract workers on struggle path
The BSNLCCWF Uttarakhand Circle is compelled to go on struggle since the BSNL Management is not implementing the orders on minimum wage, social security measures etc. BSNLEU and BSNLCCWF leaders are meeting the BSNL authorities for settlement of the issues
06 January, 2014:EPF Commissioner Chhattisgarh Freezes BSNL Account
It is intimated from Chhattisgarh that the BSNL accounts of Chhattisgarh have been frozen by the EPF Commissioner, since BSNL has not deposited the EPF of about Rs. 2.79 crores due to the accounts of the contract Labours. Further details are awaited. This is not the first time that this has happened. BSNLCCWF has been taking up with the BSNL Management at all levels to ensure the remittance of EPF contribution due to the contract workers. BSNL is violating the law of the land and hence the penalty. We demand the management to ensure EPF remittances of all the contract workers to avoid such mishappenings. The concerned contractor/officers should be taken to task.
03 January, 2014:Form the Casual and Contract Workers Federation in each Circle/SSA.
The casual and contract workers in BSNL are inhumanly exploited is a well known fact to all BSNL employees. Whether in the case of payment of Minimum Wages decided by the Government, or implementation of social security measures like EPF/ESI or regularisation of casual workers – utter disregard is shown by the management. It is only through sustained struggles by the BSNL Employees Union and BSNL Casual and Contract Workers Federation that some improvement has come. But there is a lot much more to be done to get justice to these exploited workers. One of them is to make the workers understand their own rights. BSNLCCWF has published a book on the issues of Casual and Contract workers in BSNL, copies of which are available with CHQ. Get a copy and study the issues, so that they can be taken up with the local management.
Secondly, and most important, is the formation of the BSNL Casual and Contract Workers Federation (BSNLCCWF) in each and every Circle/SSA. There are still a few circles and many SSAs where the union is to be formed. BSNLEU Circle / SSA Secretaries have to take the responsibility to organise the CC workers and to form the union. They should also take responsible posts in the organisation so that discussion with the management etc. can be done effectively. We can not have such inhuman exploitation in BSNL.BSNLEU and BSNLCCWF are committed to put an end to this and ensure all the benefits to these exploited workers.
02 January, 2014:Contractual Workers in Delhi Government to be Regularised – Why not in BSNL?
is one of the promise of the AAP – Regularisation of the
contractual workers in government. While speaking on the
Confidence Vote in Delhi Assembly, AAP Minister Manish Sisodia
stated the AAP government wants to regularise the contractual
workers, working for the Government of Delhi. We, BSNL CCWF,
heartily welcome this statement. We hope that the AAP Government
will fulfill it.
28 December, 2013:Govt. should decree Rs. 10,000 as Minimum Wages to unorganised workers.
The demand of the Central Trade Unions that 'Minimum Wages of not less than Rs.10,000- per month with provisions of indexation' is the correct and fully justified demand. This was raised in the 10 Point Charter of Demands by the Central Trade unions two years back on which sustained agitational programmes have been organised. The 48 hours strike on 20-21 February 2013, the National Convention of Workers on 6th August and the latest Parliament March on 12th December 2013 are all part of these struggles.
The Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh in the 45th Session of Indian Labour Conference held on 17th May 2013 had stated that the demands raised by the Central Trade Unions are mostly undisputed and unexceptionable and are the in the advanced stage of consideration by the Government. The Committee headed by Defence Minister A.K.Antony, which again met the leaders of the Central Trade Unions on 22nd May 2013 assured quick decisions, but nothing happened so far.
The Memorandum submitted by the CTUs after the massively participated Parliament March on 12th December has urged the Government to act upon the commitment made by the Prime Minister. It also stated that 'The Trade Union movement can not accept the present state of inaction and indifference on the pressing demands of the workers and people lying down and will heighten their united struggle in the face of continuing unresponsiveness'.
The minimum wages of not less than Rs. 10,000 for the workers is one of the major demands in the Charter. The Casual/Contract workers in BSNL will fully participate in these united struggles under the leadership of the BSNL Casual and Contract Workers Federation which is part of this great movement for the rights of the workers and people.
Strengthen BSNLCCWF by all the casual/contract workers joining the Federation and becoming active members.
27 December, 2013:2014 will be the year of sustained struggle for the cause of the Casual/Contract workers in BSNL.
The Central Executive Committee Meeting of the BSNL Casual and Contract Workers Federation is going to be held at Bhubaneswar on 18-19 January 2014. The Reception Committee is making all out efforts to make the CEC Meeting a big success.
During the last few years, BSNLEU and BSNLCCWF has been on the campaign all over India for strengthening the union as also making maximum efforts for settling the issues of casual and contract workers. While there is improvement in the payment of minimum wage etc. in many places, the condition is not at all satisfactory in may centres. While the Corporate office of BSNL issued clear cut circulars and many reminders for the implementation of minimum wage and social security measures like EPF/ESI at the field level there is stiff opposition from the part of contractors and some times management for implementing them. Struggles are taking place in many places even at this moment.
The Regularisation of the Casual workers who are toiling for the BSNL for the last so many years still are pending due to the adamant attitude of the BSNL Management that regularisation can not be given in view of the Supreme Court judgement. The fact that as per the instructions of DOPT many departments have already regularised many casual workers despite the SC judgement is well known to the BSNL management. The fact is that the management does not want to regularise. The payscale of casual labours are still based on the minimum scale of the DOT Group D employees. It has not been brought on par with the minimum pay of the BSNL employees.
Many of the leaders, circle secretaries and District Secretaries are retrenched for union activities. The Management is taking a negative attitude in this matter. These and other crucial issues are still pending causing innumerable loss to the casual and contract workers. This issue will be foremost in the discussions at Bhubaneswar CEC meeting. Certain agitational programmes like Corporate Office March, Strike etc will have to be organised. For the above, the BSNLCCWF has to be strengthened and expanded. The organisation has not been formed in some circles till now. BSNLEU Circle Secretaries and District Secretaries are requested to take special interest in the matter. The CEC meeting of BSNLEU had already decided that BSNLCCWF should be formed in all circles, where it has not been formed, before the next CEC. THIS HAS GOT TO BE DONE. THIS IS THE IMMEDIATE TARGET.
26 December, 2013:Karnataka Circle BSNLCCWF Achieve Long Pending Demands
The BSNLCCWF Karnataka Circle under the leader ship of President Com. C.K.Gundanna and Circle secretary Com. Mahantesh has been organising sustained struggles to improve the lot of the workers. Recently when Com.VAN Namboodiri, All India President visited Bangalore he along with Coms. Gundanna and Mahantesh met the CGMT and Dy. Regional Commissioner in this connection who assured settlement of the issues. On 24th December, Com. Mahantesh Circle Secretary along with DS BSNLEU Com. Mahadevappa and Com. Balaji Rao, CITU and others met GM Mysore and discussed the issues. GM assured early settlement of the issues. In Mandya SSA agitation is going on the issue of contract workers.
26 December, 2013:Massive demonstration programme of Casual/Contract workers at West Bengal and Calcutta Telephones Circles.
A Massive Sit-in Demonstration programme of Casual/Contract Workers held at both CGM W.B.T. Circle and Calcutta Telephones Circle on 24th December, 2013. Comrade Biplab Das, Aghore Sikdar, Saibal Sengupta, Tapas Ghosh, Arup Sarkar, Tapas Banerjee, Gobinda Das, Subhasish Roy, Sisr Roy, Tarak Kundu, Akhilesh Banerjee,Asis Das, Swapan Chanda, Sharmila Dutta and other leaders were present.
19 December, 2013:CEC Meeting of BSNLCCWF at Bhubaneswar on 18-19 January 2014.
The Reception Committee at Bhubaneswar, headed by Com. Janardhan Pati and Com. Sahdev Biswal are making all arrangements for the holding of the Central Executive Committee Meeting of the BSNL Casual and Contract Workers Federation scheduled to be held there on 18-19 January 2014. The Notice for the CEC has already been issued a few weeks back by the Secretary General Com. Tapas Ghosh to all the CEC members including the Circle Secretaries. Since there will be rush for train tickets, comrades are requested to book in advance to ensure reservation. All the CEC Members are requested to intimate in advance their time of arrival to and departure from Bhubaneswar with the number and name of the train to Secretary General Tapas Ghosh (Mob: 09434759450) and Com. Sahdev Biswal, convener, Reception Committee ( Mob: 09437006660) so that necessary arrangements could be made. Intimation may also be given to Com. V.A.N.Namboodiri President (Mob: 09868231431) for information. The Circle secretaries are also requested to prepare a brief report about the issues faced by the casual/contract workers, about the organisation in their respective circles etc. along with the full address with PIN code and Mobile Number of the Circle Secretary and the CEC Member in the Circle (if any).
Let us make the CEC historical through its detailed discussion and effective decisions! Chalo Bhubaneswar! Let us Organise to settle the issues of the casual and contract workers who are inhumanly exploited.
19 December, 2013:Meeting with CGM Karnataka Circle
Com. V.A.N.Namboodiri, Presidnt BSNLEU and BSNLCCWF along with Coms. C.K.Gundanna, Circle Secretary BSNLEU and President BSNLCCWF Karnataka Circle, Mahantesh, Circle Secretary BSNLCCWF, Praveen Badager, Dist. Secretary, BSNLCCWF Belgaum and Mustak Nadaf met Shri R.K.Misra, CGM BSNL, Karnataka Circle and discussed about the development, expansion and improvement of the services. Com.Namboodiri appreciated the efforts made by the CGM in improving the services and the good relation and co-ordination with the staff unions. Though not in profit, Karnataka Circle has improved its revenue in the last financial year. The Union representatives also discussed about the nonpayment of minimum wages in Belgaum, Raichur etc. as also the non-engagement of the entire 284 contract workers in Belgaum. CGM assured that he will ensure payment of minimum wage as also implementation of social security measures etc.
19 December, 2013:Meeting with Dy. Chief Labour Commissioner (Central), Karnataka.
Com. V.A.N.Namboodiri, Com. C.K.Gundanna, Com.K.Mahantesh and other comrades met Shri Viswanath, Dy. Chief Labour Commissioner (C), Karnataka and brought to his notice about the problems of the Casual/Contract workers in BSNL Karnataka Circle. He assured to enquire and do the needful in the matter. He also explained to the representatives about the provisions of the Contract Labour etc.
17 December, 2013:BSNL Non-Permanent Workers District Conference held at Mysore on 08th December, 2013.
The third district conference of BSNL Non permanent workers Union of Mysore District was held on Sunday the 8th December 2013, at Govardhana Hotel Auditorium, Mysore. Com. Gnanaprakash, Dist.Organising Secretary, BSNLEU Mysore welcomed the guests and the delegates to the third conference. Com. Mahadevappa, Dist.Secretary BSNLEU Mysore, gave the key note address on the very important issues related to non permanent workers working at Mysore. Com.Gundanna C K Circle Secretary BSNLEU, who is also the Circle President of BSNL NPWU, inaugurated the Conference. He brought to the notice - of all the non permanent workers of Mysore District who attended the conference in a very large number – about the struggles waged by the Non Permanent workers at the Circle level and also at the all India level in order to achieve the very rightful basic demands of minimum wages, payment of wages through bank, issue of id cards, salary slip, facilities like EPF and ESI etc., which have been clinched in many districts of Karnataka Circle, only through non compromising struggles. He also spoke about the responsibility of non permanent workers in protecting the BSNL, in order to serve the common social interests of the subscribers. Com. Balaji, Dist. President C I T U Mysore district, spoke about the problems of the Non permanent workers /Contract Workers working in different PSUs and need for the regularization of the workers in absence of regular recruitments in all PSUs. Com. Balakrishan M C, All India Organizing Secretary, BSNLEU CHQ spoke about the necessity of BSNLEU forming the BSNL Casual and Contract Workers Federation at the all India level, for which the Non Permanent Workers Union of Karnataka Circle is affiliated.
In the afternoon delegates' session, one non permanent worker, who is district office bearer, was invited to speak about the problems faced by the workers in their talukas. Consolidating all the problems, Com. Mahantesh, Gen.Secretary, NPWU and also the Secretary of CITU, Karnataka state replied to all the problems narrated by the workers. A memorandum to CGM, GM Mysore has been drafted with persistent problems faced by the workers at the Dist.level. The same has to be submitted along with Dist.President & Secretary of NPWU and also the Circle President and Secretary of NPWU. The house also elected the new office bearers.
06 December, 2013:Meeting with GM(Admn and Restructuring)
Today, Com.V.A.N.Namboodiri, President, BSNLEU and BSNLCCWF met Smt. Madhu Arora, GM (Admn and Restructuring), C.O. and discussed the issues of contract workers as also on the Revival of BSNL. Com.Namboodiri pointed out the non-implementation of the social security measures, non-payment of minimum wages etc. to the contract workers in most of the places and demanded that these should be got implemented strictly. He specifically mentioned about the struggles going on in Jamshedpur, Benares, Hisar, Bidr, Shimoga, UP(E), UP(W) and many other centres and the victimisation of the contract workers. He also mentioned that many district secretaries and some circle secretaries of the Federation have been retrenched for demanding implementation of govt. and CMD orders. Com. Namboodiri demanded reinstatement of these leaders and also urgent settlement of the issues. GM(Admn) was very attentive to the issues and assured that immediate action will be taken in the above matters. The question of circulating the latest orders of the Chief Labour Commissioner on the increased wages from 01-10-2013 was also pointed out. It will be circulated she assured. The issue of Revival of BSNL and certain points connected with the same were also discussed.
26 November, 2013:
A historic rally of the BSNL Regular and Non-Regular Workers in
14 November, 2013:Meeting with Sr. GM (Admn) on Casual/Contract workers issues.
Today, 14th November 2013, Com. V.A.N.Namboodiri, President BSNLEU and BSNLCWF met Shri A.K.Sanghi, Sr. GM(Admn) and discussed about the various issues of the casual and contract workers. He pointed out the non-payment of Minimum Wages and non-implementation of EPF and ESI in many places. He also gave detailed letters in the matter. Com. Namboodiri also brought to the notice of the Sr. GM, the victimisation against the Circle Secretaries and District Secretaries and asked for vacation of the victimisation.
Shri Sanghi, Sr. GM(Admn.) stated that C.O. is having a watch on the issue and have asked all the CGMs to give report on the issue. He assured that the issues are being looked in to.
14 Oct. 2013:BSNL CCWF CEC meeting at Bhubaneswar postponed.
In view of the serious situation in Odisha after the cyclone Phailin, which devasted a good part of the state, with lakhs of houses damaged, communication & electricity services disrupted and roads blocked etc. and also the urgent need of the hour being restoration of all the above and rehabilitation of the people who lost almost everything, the Reception Committee has suggested postponement of the Central Executive Committee of the BSNL CCWF to be held at Bhubaneswar, the capital of Odisha, on 19 – 20 October, 2013.
In consultation with all concerned, it has now been decided to postpone the CEC. The next date for CEC will be intimated in due course.
CEC members from outstations are requested to immediately cancel their reservation to get refund.
14 Oct. 2013:Report of the state convention of BSNL Casual and Contract Workers in West Bengal.
The three circle unions viz. BSNL Casual Mazdoor Union, W. B. Circle, Calcutta Telephones Thika Mazdoor Union & BSNL Casual Mazdoor Union, Telecom Factory conducted an historical state convention of casual & contract workers at Subarna Banik Samaj Hall Kolkata on 8th October, 2013. The convention was presided over by the presidents namely Shaibal Sengupta, Pankaj Saha & Omprakash Singh of the three circle unions. The convention was inaugurated by Com. Kali Ghosh, General Secretary, CITU, West Bengal.
(2) Rallies to labour commissioner and lodge complain against the authority.
21 Sept. 2013:Contract workers also will participate on 25 Sept. Programme.
Casual and Contract workers will participate in the Demonstration on 25th September called by Central Trade Unions. BSNL Casual and Contract Workes Federation (BSNLCCWF) calls upon all its members to massively participate in the demonstration/meeting/rally being organised by the Central Trade Unions on 25th September on the major demands of the working class as decided by the National Convention of Workers held at Mavalankar hall New Delhi on 6th August 2013. The demands include stopping of price-rise, No Disinvestment/Privatisation of PSUs, Rs. 10,000 as Minimum Wage to contract workers, Implementation of Social Security measures etc. Organise the programmes jointly with BSNLEU and Central trade Unions.
10 Sept. 2013: Massive Day Long Dharana in front of CGM Office on 28th August 2013 by BSNL Non Permanent Workers Union, Karnataka circle.
More than 1,000 casual and contract workers sat on dharna in front of the office of CGM,Karnataka Circle on 28th August 2013 demanding immediate settlement of long pending issues including payment of minimum wage, implementation of social security measures like EPF and ESI, reinstatement of retrenched workers etc. The participants came from all the SSAs in the circle, on the call of the BSNL Non-Permanent Workers Union, which is affiliated both to CITU and BSNLCCWF. The CGM office compound was completely full by the agitators, which included a good number of women workers also...... <<click here>>
04 Sept. 2013: With deep sorrow it is informed that Com. Omkar Singh, Casual / Contract Labour of Mathura, expired after run over by vehicle while he was on duty attending cable work on 31.08.2013. After postmortem and FIR, he was cremated next day. Com. R.S. Fauzdar, CS, BSNLEU and Com. Soniya Arora, CS, BSNL CCWF, UP (West) Circle, have requested the management to provide compensation and other requirement to family of the deceased. We convey our heartfelt condolences to the family of com. Omkar Singh.
30 August 2013: BSNL Casual Contract workers on 48 hours Dharna in W.Bengal
The casual & contract workers in W.Bengal are sitting on 48 hours dharna at Kolkata demanding regularisation of the left-out casual labours (numbering 2270 in WB alone), wages as per the government orders etc. The dharna is being held from 29th August onwards. Leaders of BSNLEU and BSNLCCWF have discussed the above issues several time with the management but without any results. Hence the Dharna. Coms. Animesh Mitra, Vice-President, BSNLCCWF and Dy.GS, BSNLEU, Tapas Ghosh, Secretary General BSNLCCWF and others are leading the dharna. We demand the management to discuss with the union and settle the issue without further delay.
29 August 2013 :Kerala Contract Workers strike – Agreement.
The 16 days complete strike of casual-contract workers of Kerala from 12th August supported by the BSNLEU through work-to-Rule from 26th August was settled after the management agreed to certain important demands. The salient points of the agreement as intimated by the Circle Secretaries BSNLEU and BSNLCCWF are given below:
"The indefinite strike of the contract and temporary workers of Kerala circle ended on the 16th day with a reasonable agreement with the management on 27-08-2013 at 5 pm. almost all the workers participated in the strike called by BSNL Casual Contract Labours Union. Enhancement of wages, implement EPF & ESI and other social security measures, payment of Bonus, issue of ID card, desist from the move to implement work contract system etc. were the important demands raised by the union. The strike was total and badly affected the service. The strike was supported by BSNLEU by giving call to work to rule agitation from 26-08-2013. The left and democratic forces, trade unions, service organizations etc. had also supported the strike. The management was adamant but later compelled to come down and to settle the demands.
The salient features of the settlement are:
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." This is a good agreement. We congratulate the casual contract Workers Union as also BSNLEU of Kerala for the historic strike and agreement!
29 August 2013 :Massive Dharna at Bengaluru by Casual/Contract workers.
More than 1,000 casual and contract workers sat on dharna in front of the office of CGM, Karnataka Circle on 28th August 2013 demanding immediate settlement of long pending issues including payment of minimum wage, implementation of social security measures like EPF and ESI, reinstatement of retrenched workers etc. The participant came from all the SSAs in the circle, on the call of the BSNL Non-Permanent Workers Union, which is affiliated both to CITU and BSNLCCWF. The CGM office compound was completely full by the agitators, which included a good number of women workers.
Coms. C.K.Gundanna, President of NPWU and also BSNLEU, Karnataka Circle, K.Mahantesh, General Secretary, NPMU, Cheluvaraj, Vice-President, NPWU, Muddiah, senior leader, Sudershan, DS, BSNLEU, Bangalore Telephone District and other leaders addressed the rally. Com.V.A.N.Namboodiri, All India President of both BSNLEU and BSNLCCWF congratulated the workers and the leaders for the massive dharna and conveyed the revolutionary Greetings of the All India Unions. He briefed the rally about the issues taken the CHQ, deliberations of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Labour to which the issue of casual contract labours has been petitioned by BSNLCCWF, the meeting with the Labour Minister etc. with regard to the demands of the Casual-Contract workers.
A Memorandum by the Circle Union was presented to Shri Chandra Mouli, GM (HR), who assured that the issues will be favorably considered.
My Hearty Congratulation to the Karnataka leaders and workers for the excellent dharna and the unity shown by the regular employees and the contract workers. It is also to be mentioned that the Karnataka workers have improved their wages through sustained struggles and unity. But more are still to won and the unions will jointly work for the same.
29 August 2013 :BSNLCCWF Circle Conference, Haryana, at Jind.
The Circle Conference of BSNLCCWF, Haryana Circle was held at Jind on 27th August 2013.More than 400 comrades participated. The Conference was presided over by Com. Kuldeep Singh, Asst. treasurer, CHQ, BSNLEU. Com.V.A.N.Namboodiri, President, BSNLCCWF, inaugurated the Conference. He spoke in detail about the acts passed by the Parliament with regard to the contract workers and demanded the management to implement the same including the minimum wage and social security measures. He also spoke about the organisation, it growth and the struggles being organised in many circles. He called upon the workers to strengthen the organisation and bring maximum workers to the union. DY.GM, Jind, Coms. Naresh Kumar, Circle President, M.S.Kadian, Circle secretary, Bijender singh and other leaders addressed the conference. The Conference unanimously elected office-bearers with Com. Naresh Kumar as President and Com. Satbir as Circle Secretary.
27 August 2013 :Convention at Moradabad by BSNLEU & BSNLCCWF
A convention on the "Financial Viability of BSNL" and "Issues of Casual & Contract Workers" was jointly held at Moradabad on 25th August 2013. More than 400 participated. Coms. Rajkaran Yadav and Jatashankar Pathak, Presidents of BSNLEU & BSNL CCWF constituted the presidium. Com. A.K. Verma, District Secretary welcomed. Shri Vinay Aggerwal, Sr.GM, BSNL, Moradabad, Coms. Sharif Ali (CITU), Chandrapal Azad (CITU), Ashok Mishra, District Secretary, BSNL CCWF, R.S. Fauzdar, Circle Secretary, BSNLEU, UP(W) Circle and other leaders addressed. Com. V.A.N. Namboodiri, presenting the subject, spoke in detail about the National Convention on "Revival of BSNL" as also the proposals given by the Forum for improving the financial viability of BSNL. He also spoke on the demands of BSNL regular employees as also casual and contract workers. Earlier, Coms. V.A.N. Namboodiri and R.S. Rauzdar were received at the Railway Station and brought to the conference hall in a big procession through the centre of city. The convention has given confidence and strength to the unions and the workers.
21 August 2013 :Violation of the Labour Laws in BSNL – BSNL Casual and Contract Workers Federation - discussed with Labour Minister and Director (HRD).
A delegation team consisting of Basudev Achariya, M.P, Lok sabha, Com. Janardan Pati, President, CITU, Odisha, Com. V. A. N. Namboodiri, President, BSNLEU and BSNLCCWF, Com. Animesh Mitra, Deputy General Secretary, BSNLEU, Com. S. Bisuwal, Circle Secretary, BSNL Kamachari Sangha, Odisha, Com. Tapas Kumar Ghosh, Secretary General, BSNLCCWF met with Minister of labour, Government of India on 19th August,2013 and submitted the memorandum. It is highlighted before the Minister that BSNL is violating the labour laws though there are specific order of wages and social security for casual and Contractual workers. As a principal employer, BSNL is ignoring their duty. Minister assured us to look into the matter and instructed his officer to take necessary action.
On the next day, Com. V. A. Namboodiri, Com. Animesh Mitra, Com. S. Bisuwal, Com. Tapas Kumar Ghosh met with Director (HRD), Sri A. N. Rai and discussed on the demand of casual and contract workers. It is mentioned that reinstatement of the retrenched workers, properly implementation of wage and social security order, revision of the wages of Casual/ TSM as per revised pay scale issued by the GoI, regularization of the left out causal/ TSM, offering to sit the departmental examination to the Casual / Contract workers. In the discussion Union leaders has mentioned that the grassroot workers has already started the agitational programme in Kerala, West Bengal, Odisha, Jharkhand, Tamil Nadu, Calcutta Telephones etc. against the exploitation of these workers. BSNL Federation demands for immediate intervention of the management to settle the issue without delay.
21 August 2013 : BSNL Casual Contract Labors Union on Strike.
BSNL CCLU had submitted the Charter of demand on 10th July 2012 and several agitations conducted including Dharna on July 25th 2012, Mass CGM office march participated by over 3500 workers on 14th Aug 2012, two day sathyagraha on Dec 12th and 13th, 48 hrs hunger strike by BSNL CCLU District Secretaries and office bearers in front of CGMT office on 12th and 13th February 2013. No discussion had been held by CGMT to settle the issues. Meanwhile indefinite strike was conducted at Kottayam, and Malappuram by BSNL CCLU during 2013 March which was settled locally without much achievement because referendum work has started. In Kerala quotation system in internal and petty contract system in outdoor was prevailing in all SSAs. BSNL CCLU and our Union demanded to pay minimum wages and other social security benefits to all workers and the management agreed to introduce Labor Contract System engaging all the laborers presently working. But the system was introduced only in six SSAs i.e., Calicut, Malappuram, Alappuzha, Pathanamthitta,Kottayam and Kollam. In TVM, TCR, ENK, Kannur and Palghat the petty contract system exists. The contract labor system was introduced in Kasaragod for outdoor workers and in TVM for security duties. BSNLEU and BSNL CCLU demanded enhancement of wages to the contract laborers at least the wages applicable to skilled laborers since cable jointing duties are being carried out by these workers. It is also demanded to introduce labor contract system in other SSAs with enhanced wages. .Instead of discussing these demands with the unions the management has decided to introduce work contract system which we did not agree. In the labor contract system all the workers will be engaged and competition will be only in service charge and minimum wages, EPF and ESI will be specified. In the work contract system which is going to be introduced less number of workers will be engaged in order to get maximum profit to the contractor. Therefore in addition of enhancement of wages, implementation of labor contract system with enhanced wages and other social security benefits, wherever it is not implemented, we had demanded that the labor contract system should continue and the work contract system should not be introduced. On August 16th a discussion with GM Admn was conducted. The management was adamant on the issue of introducing work contract system. The discussion failed and the strike continues. BSNL Employees Union had decided to conduct demonstration on 16th and joint March to CGM/GM offices on 20th August. The CGM is on tour in various SSAs and will be back only on 26th. BSNLEU Circle Secretariat has decided to give notice for work to Rule agitation from 26th.Due to the strike the service is badly affected. The offices became unhygienic since cleaning and scavenging workers are on strike. Now the management could not engage anybody for this cleaning work. But they are trying get to engage somebody with the help of contractors with police protection. But our comrades have warned the management that the workers will not permit anybody to carry out the job presently done by the contract workers. Strike aid committees are being formed in SSAs and in circle on 21st August.
20 August 2013 :Meeting of BSNLCCWF leaders of Odisha Circle.
The BSNLCCWF leaders of Odisha Circle, who have come to Delhi under the leadership of Com. Sahdev Biswal, Circle Secretary held a meeting at Dada Ghosh Bhawan on 19th August and discussed about the problems being faced by the casual and contract workers in Odisha. Coms. V.A.N.Namboodiri, All India President and Tapas Ghosh, Secretary General were also present.
20 August 2013 :Meeting with Shri S.R.Ola, Labour Minister on casual Contract workers issues.
Along with Com. Basudeb Acharya, Member of Parliament and leader of CPI(M) in Lok Sabha, Coms. V.A.N.Namboodiri, President, Janardhan Pati, Circle President, Odisha, Animesh Mitra, Dy.GS, BSNLEU, Tapas Ghosh, Secretary General, (BSNLCCWF) Sahdev Biswal, Circle President Odisha BSNLCCWF and other comrades met Shri S.R.Ola, Labour minister at his office on 19th August 2013 and presented the issues of casual and contract workers. The delegation told the Minister about the non-implementation of the minimum wage, social security measures etc. by the BSNL Management at the field levels. More than 4000 left out casual workers are still to be regularised. Other connected issues were presented before the Minister for early solution. A letter, copy of which is given below, by Com. Basudev Acharya, MP, on these issues were also handed over to the Minister.
The Minister assured that he will seriously look in to the matter and do the needful.
17 August 2013 :Settle the justified demands of BSNL Casual / Contract Labour.
In many circles and SSAs the casual and contract workers are compelled to go on struggles to get the orders of the government and BSNL Corporate office implemented with regard to the payment of minimum wage, implementation of social security measures like EPF and ESI etc. They are also demanding the reinstatement of workers who have been retrenched due to participation in strikes and other agitations.
BSNL Management, Better Think Again!
The casual/contract workers in BSNL Kerala Circle is on strike from 12th August on certain demands raised by them including implementation of social security measures like EPF, ESI etc. Despite the service being severely affected due to the participation of large number of workers in the strike, the management is adamant and has not started any discussion with their union. When the leaders of BSNLEU, the recognised union, contacted the CGM BSNL Kerala Circle, they were advised not to take up the issue of the contract workers, stating that the management has got no connection with the contract workers and it is only the contractor who is responsible for the payments etc.
The CGM Kerala Circle, better think again! The Government of India Acts and also the Orders issued by the CMD BSNL, clearly stipulates the role of the management. If the contractor does not implement the orders, the management, the Principal Employer, is fully responsible for getting the orders implemented. The Labour Ministry orders provide even for imprisonment, if the provisions of the labour Acts are not implemented. It is also better to remember that the BSNL management in certain circles had to pay crores of rupees to the EPF as arrears of the Provident Fund of the contract workers.
Instead of taking an adamant stand, the circle BSNL Management should discuss the issues with BSNLEU and the union of the striking workers and reach early settlement, failing which the services will suffer, the full responsibility of which will lie with the management. Being a partner in the exploitation of the contract workers is not the role of a responsible management.
Casual Contract Workers issues notice for Indefinite Strike.
The BSNL Casual/Contract Workers will be going on Indefinite Strike w.e.f. 12th August, 2013 demanding implementation of Labour laws, implementation of EPF & ESI, increase in wages etc. The CHQ fully support the struggle and demand the BSNL Management to urgently discuss and settle the issues.
BSNLEU-BSNLCCWF meeting at Ludhiana
A massively participated meeting of BSNLEU as well as BSNLCCWF was organised at Ludhiana on 29th July 2013. Coms.Balbir Singh, Circle Secretary, BSNLEU Punjab, Baljinder Singh, Circle Secretary BSNLCCWU, Balwinder Singh, District Secretary, BSNLEU and other leaders addressed. Com. V.A.N.Namboodiri, All India President, BSNLEU and BSNLCCWF spoke on the issues of strengthening BSNL as also the agitational programmes planned by BSNLEU/United Forum on the major and long pending issues of the workers including the wage revision from 01-01-2012, loss of wage to post-2007 recruitees, stagnation of officials, pension revision of BSNL retirees, both pre and post-2007, issues of casual and contract workers etc.
A separate meeting of the casual and contract workers was held and discussed about the present situation of workers in Punjab. It was decided to meet the GM, Ludhiana and CGM Chandigarh to discuss the issues. The GM was met and demands put forward after the meeting.
Along with Coms. R.L.Moudgil, AGS, Balbir Singh, Circle Secretary, Baljiender Singh, Circle Secretary BSNLCCWU, senior leader H.S.Dhillon and other leading comrades Com. VAN Namboodiri met the CGM Shri Julka and discussed the issues of the contract workers including the non-payment of minimum wage, non-implementation of the EPF, ESI etc. He assured to ensure implementation of the same. Improving the work culture, procurement of equipment and other issues connected with the revival of BSNL was also discussed.
A Press Conference was also held at Ludhiana on the issues of casual and contract workers which was participated my reporters of channels and other media.
Casual/Contract Workers meeting at Ludhiana
A meeting of the BSNLCCWF will be held at Ludhiana on 29th July, 2013. Com. V.A.N. Namboodiri, President, BSNLCCWF will attend the same.
Meeting with Director (HR), on reinstatement of casual /contract workers.
Com. V.A.N.Namboodiri, President, BSNLCCWF, met Shri A.N.Rai, Director (HR) and discussed about the issue of reinstating the casual/contract workers numbering about 45 in Jamshedpur. He pointed out that the repair and maintenance works are seriously affected. He also pointed out that the GM has retrenched the workers who are engaged for the last about 10 years or more as punishment for participating in the agitation for getting minimum wage. Com. Namboodiri requested that the GM be directed to take the workers back and restore normalcy.
Horrible exploitation of contract workers in BSNL
A meeting of the Circle Executive Committee of the Maharashtra Labour and Contract Labour Union of BSNL was held today at CITU office. The union is both affiliated to CITU and BSNL Casual & Contract Workers Federation (BSNLCCWF). About 50 comrades were present representing the SSAs Maharashtra.
The reporting by the District Secretaries about the condition of the contract workers was shocking. Most of the orders issued by the BSNL Corporate office or the Instructions of the Govt. of India are not implemented. In some SSAs, only Rs. 2,500 to Rs. 3,000 is paid as minimum wage. In some other SSAs it is Rs. 3,000 to 4,000. These are much below the minimum wages fixed by the Central Govt. and orders issued by the BSNL Corporate office. EPF and ESI are not implemented. These are not checked by the concerned officers and action taken against the culprits.
However, due to the continuous struggle of the union, in SSAs like Latur and Nasik, the situation is somewhat better, though not completely.
The meeting has taken decisions to strengthen the union by bringing all the contract workers in to the organisation and also persue the issues with the management for settlement with the help of BSNLEU, CITU etc.
Contract Workers continue struggle at Jamshedpur
The month long agitation strike by the contract workers at Jamshedpur (Jharkhand) is continuing. After the Casual and Contract Workers union demanded for implementation of Minimum Wage, EPF, ESI etc., instead of agreeing to the just demands, the management put off 20 workers from work. The 80 and contract workers on strike demanding the reinstatement of the retrenched workers.
The maintenance, fault repair are much affected, but the management has not done anything to settle the issue. The GM Jamshedpur, it is reported, is not even coming to the office, nor is discussing with the workers. BSNLEU District Union has also taken up the matter, but no results so far.
The issue was discussed with ShriA.N.Rai, Director (HR), C.O., who assured the President Com. VAN Namboodiri, that he will speak to the CGM Jharkhand for settlement of the issue. But the issue is not settled and struggle continues. CHQ demands the management to settle the issue urgently and implement the government orders on Minimum wage etc. and reinstate the workers.
Hazaribad CEC calls for agitation for settlement of pending demands
The Central Executive Committee of the BSNL CCWF held at Hazaribad(Jharkhand) on 3rd and 4th November 2012 has called for organising agitational programmes for settlement of the following demands:
Decisions of the CEC:
Book on Casual and Contract Workers
The BSNL CCWF, Central Head Quarters have published a book on the issues of Casual/Contract workers, the existing rules and regulations on minimum wage, social security measures, the procedures etc. etc. It is compiled by Com. V.A.N.Namboodiri, President of the union. It is priced Rs. 25/- Members can purchase the same from the CHQ. It is proposed to publish a Hindi translation also.
21 Sept 2012 : BSNLCCWF starts its own website
Good Morning! Glad News!
21 Sept 2012 : Massive Protest against anti-people policy on 20th September 2012
The All India Protest Day /Jail Bharao/Rasta Rokoprogrammeorganisedby the eight non-BJP, non-Congress parties including the four Left parties against the anti-people policies of the UPA government was a big success in most of the states. BJP had called for a Bharat Bandh also. The strong protest of the people against the increase in diesel price, 51% FDI in multi-brand retail which will result in the collapse of the small retail trade on which more than 5 crore people earn their living, 49% FDI in aviation which will result in the take over of Indian companies by MNCs etc. was supported by the people on a large scale. Many trains were stopped by the protesters. Shops remained closed and buses and other vehicles did not ply. The people fully co-operated with Bandh. The strong protest was a slap on the face of the UPA government which has surrendered to the interests of the MNCs and imperialist countries, specially US.
All India Central Executive Committee Meeting at Dhanbad
The Central Executive Committee of the BSNL CCWF will be held at Dhanbad (Jharkhand) on 3rd and 4th November 2012. The CEC will have to discuss about the organisational matters, issues of the workers and future programmes to settle the demands of the workers.
Book on Casual and Contract Workers
The BSNL CCWF, Central Head Quarters have published a book on the issues of Casual/Contract workers, the existing rules and regulations on minimum wage, social security measures, the procedures etc. etc. It is compiled by Com. V.A.N.Namboodiri, President of the union. It is priced Rs. 25/- Members can purchase the same from the CHQ.