The insensitive BSNL Board has approved VRS for one lakh workers in the Board meeting held on 29th September (yesterday), according to unconfirmed reports. The JAC has already given notice for one day strike on 10th October 2011. Instead of discussing the matter with the unions and sorting put the issue, the management has taken a confrontationist attitude.
The management forgets that the workforce is an asset, instead of a liability. VRS has not helped any company. The VRS is a method to reduce the workforce in its policy for disinvestment and privatisation. The JAC and workforce will fight this decision with all its strenth.
Despite workers protest, BSNL Board approves VRS
30 Friday Sep 2011
Posted in Uncategorized
VAN Namboodiri's Blog 
The heading “Despite workers protest:” clearly shows How weak the JAC is. If the JAC is really interested to safeguard the employees, it should learn the mighty word “Unity” at least now and unite all the forces especially the II major Union NFTE to its fold. It is verywell known that the united struggle alone has paved way for 50% IDA merger and Gupta’s effort has yielded the much lauded pension by invoking Rule 37A. Let us hope and pray at least now Com. Namboodiri act in a positive way to avoid VRS and safeguard the employees .
BSNLEU and JAC has always tried to build up unity. It was only after BSNLEU got recognition that the JAC was formed at its initiative. Strong struggles were waged under JAC and we ha ve stopped VRS, disinvestment etc. earlier. But NFTE and FNTO left the Joint Forum due to the issues in the verification. We tried and brought them back by even changing the name from Joint Forum to JAC. At the time of V membership verifiction NFTE and FNTO left on flimsy grounds. We have written several letters to them and requested to participate. The non-participation by these organisations are not due to activities of JAC but by the issues connected with the verification like recognition of unions, facilities, new unions etc. That is not at all directly connected with the common issues confronting the JAC. However JAC has approached all these unions at this critical time and we hope that they may respond favourably.
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Despite workers protest, BSNL Board approves VRS
4 #
Submitted on 2011/10/01 at 9:0
In the interst of employees and BSNL, VRS is to be encouraged.THIS IS THE ORDER OF THE DAY.It is more so when many people welcome VRS.This will more prospects for the youngsters
You may followup to expedite the sceheme and help employees get max benifit like exemption form income tax
sethumadhavan sethusayujyam@gmail.com 9447353888
It is a misconception that more people welcome VRS. It is out of desperation and due to the massive propaganda of vested interests that a few officials are thinking of VRS. When they know the disadvantage of VRS to both the concerned officials as laso the PSU they will take correct decision to oppose it.
VRS proposal sent to DOT by the BSNL board. Other unions say this news already known to BSNLEU three or four months before itself. One rumor says that instead of 60 days calculation, only 30 days will be given. what is the stand for VRS as for as BSNL EU is concerned. and why other unions are not united with the BSNLEU in this matter.
BSNLEU and JAC has always tried to build up unity. It was only after BSNLEU got recognition that the JAC was formed at its initiative. Strong struggles were waged under JAC and we ha ve stopped VRS, disinvestment etc. earlier. But NFTE and FNTO left the Joint Forum due to the issues in the verification. We tried and brought them back by even changing the name from Joint Forum to JAC. At the time of V membership verifiction NFTE and FNTO left on flimsy grounds. We have written several letters to them and requested to participate. The non-participation by these organisations are not due to activities of JAC but by the issues connected with the verification like recognition of unions, facilities, new unions etc. That is not at all directly connected with the common issues confronting the JAC. However JAC has approached all these unions at this critical time and we hope that they may respond favourably.
Strongly oppose VRS Scheme by JAC
Sir, in your reply to Mr. Selvraj.c you have answered regading JAC, but where as the quary was reg. 60 days calculation. Secondly, you had made a call for strike on 10th of oct. My question is did the JAC or BSNLEU got any benifit from the last strikes?
Dear Mr. Mahajan,
Of course we got many succeses from the struggle of the workers. Earlier we could stop disinvestment and VRS through our strikes. Pension revision was granted. A lot of issues have been settled by the JAC though discussions and sruggles. It has united the work force also. It does not mean that each and everything we demanded have been achieved. Unity and struggle is the watch word for the progress of the workers.
Infighting had been in the roots of destruction of all the mighty kingdoms in medieval era. The glory lost and we were ransacked at each and every place by the foreign invaders. The history repeats itself. The face of acting powers has changed. Market driven rules are call of a capitalist/ socialist (like that in place in our country) economy.
Alternative forces are ruling the present telecom sector in India which is the result of economic reform triggered by the Government of India in 1992.
Balance of telecom policy in country is heavily tilted in favor of private participation and PSUs are left in great isolation due to empathy of their major stakeholders i.e. GoI.
In short reliability on BSNL (erstwhile DoT) for telecom services is now no longer an issue to discuss. There reference of BSNL (PSUs) is only called for the welfare service provisioning that too is on the very low priority of government.
Coming to the issues related to BSNL workers it is very natural that as government has changed its priority towards once telecom monopoly, the heat is now towards those who are till now not were any major party to the game.
BSNL unions were mighty enough when the market does not have any competition. Why? The government couldn’t afford to take on unions because of fear of disruption in services.
But now the policy makers in government are thinking otherwise.
BSNL has been offered VRS unilaterally; freezing the salary and allowance etc. Reason?
The empathy of government towards HR/operational issues of PSU ridden by the corrupt political masters have turned the once profitable behemoth into a liability.
This has now resulted in a loss of Rs. 6000 Cr. Loss ( not final though) which is enormously high a amount for a company having a huge workforce. I was talking to one of our unabsorbed officers (who were termed to be manager right from the time when the telecom sector was devoid of any competition and no management skills were required) they too now think otherwise. They are now in repenting mood. They recall it would have been better if they had opted for government services in year 2005 instead of giving a conditional option. Since 2005 when the company was making huge profit now the changed scenario has forced them to think so. They are now looking for greener pastures beyond BSNL/MTNL and for that matter out of DoT. They are even willing to work for non telecom services. They are valuing each and every Re. what their fellow counterpart are getting out there such places. Why?
Cut in allowances/salary/facilities does not affect those at bottom of workforce. It is this class which thinks that even a less Re. is not worth working in BSNL now.
This shows the devotion of the present top workforce of BSNL.
I can only pray to God more time to regain our lost strength & vision. Unions were powerhouse but now they have to act as policy governor. Although Government is in no mood to listen we have to raise the issues which are critical in nature.
Besides this one has to understand the imperatives of present situation of BSNL.
Any policy can only be on tandem with the present situation of the place. To delink the same is just an act of closing the eyes towards challenges.
Friends be united and resolve to accept challenges so that we may not become a matter of history. This is where our ancestors have forgotten to do in the medieval history . By grace of God we are now centuries apart to understand the flaws in polity of that time now and to act according to that.
Long live BSNL.
Explaining the situation or the background is necessary. But more than that it is necessary to change the present situation in favour of BSNL and its workers. That is the work that has got to be done. Whether they are low paid or high paid everybody is to lose if BSNL fails. If it collapses or is privatised, the private companies will fleece the people as they are already doing in countries where there is no government or public sector telecom service provider.
Namaskar
http://www.bsnlnewsbyashokhindocha.blogspot.com
M-09426254999
Namaskar
From Ashok Hindocha M-09426254999
http://www.bsnlnewsbyashokhindocha.blogspot.com
Most respected Namboodrijee, do you think you(we) can stop the VRS initiated by BSNL all by yourself or with the help of all the unions? If so, how could you do it? Please educate on these lines.
Secondly, whether the VRS is good or bad, could it be stopped by any other organisation in the past? Please educate me on these lines as I am not aware of such issue by myself.
Thirdly, many employees aged 53 and above, especially women employees are interested to take a VRS if offered. By opposing the VRS, it may so happen that you would snatch away their privelege. What do you say about it Sir.
Fourthly, do you think you could bring BSNL back into profits if VRS is opposed? If so, why did you not insist earlier, to get BSNL back on its rails? I understand and am convinced that due to some bad policies by the management, and the government, the BSNL has come to this stage. What surprises me is that by stopping the VRS proposal will we be able to put back BSNL into profits? Please educate me on these lines my revered Sir.
Finally, if the BSNL continues to reel under loss in the future, would you not be guilty of stopping the VRS if you succeed in stopping the VRS now? Please give a thought to this side of the fact too..
The above are my honest questions. I, neither wish to oppose your views nor have any intention to bother you with my questions. If you answer them, I will feel great and I may correct my view point from now on.
Thanks and regards Sir.
Yes, actually how much days salary is recommended. ?
When it VRS and not CRS as per Management opinion, then why efforts are not made to improve the scheme so that the outgoing employees can go
happily.
Efforts may be made to increase number of days to 75 or 90 days per year.
No tax on Exgratia amount and notional fixation of pension to the superannuation basic as if the official retires at the age of 60.
The existing retirement benefit should continue as it is.
The workers are opposing the VRS since it is not beneficial either tothe company or the workers. It did not benefit MTNL, neither it benefitted the functioning of the banks, where it has been implemented. The huge queues in the counters of the banks are only due to shortage of staff after the VRS. MTNL has gone down further after each VRS. VRS is being proposed as per the neo-liberal policy of the government to privatise it later and reduce the number of staff and the work to be done by contract workers which is cheaper and the unorganised labour can be exploited. We are opposed to VRS and trying to amend it.
In my opinion VRS is required for few category of the employees which would benefit both the employees in general and company in particular
It is felt that few person’s are not able to work in the outdoor and indoor with the kind of work skill expected to upgrade the company brand to the customers.
Surprisingly more employees fall in this category. Employees find difficulty to adapt them-selfs to fit in the tough phase of survival. VRS can ease the work environment and would help company to accelerate its momentum to regain the past glory. We all should understand that, “United we stand and divided we fall”, instead what is seen here is that “Divided we stand and united we fall”.
We have to stand united as you say. The JAC is trying maximum to bring all organisations together just like earlier. The workers will make all the unions come together.
Dear Sir,
Observing the present situation of our beloved company, it seems that we are going in unprecedented circumstances. To overcome this situation government is stressing for the VRS, as no any other bail out package is foresighted. For us too instead of just shying away from VRS we should face it with negotiation on best package.
I would like to recall one thing here. Earlier all the Govt. employees were enjoying the GPF at unparalleled rate of interest of 14%, without tax on interest. The then finance minister Mr Yashwant Sinha decided to bring this interest under tax, which was opposed by all the unions, and not allowed the govt. to do this. But what govt. did? They just bring interest down by 30%(max slab of tax) to 8%. Who is looser? obviously the lower grade employees. They would have came under 10% slab or have been fully exempted but by this all had to loose 30%.
Sir, again the time has come to think about future of all the employees. It seems that the govt. has already decided to cut the salary expenses whether from VRS or curtailing the perks or salary by any mean like done firstly by freezing the medical and LTC benefits of the employees. In maximum SSAs the various advances for scooter, computer etc has already been stopped. So it is high time to sit on negotiation table with govt. and bargain best deals for us and side by side demonstrating out side to build pressure on govt. The late we do, the more we loose. Because now we will have to bargain for LTC and medical too, and no one knows in mean time how many things we are going to loose and then bargain for those things which we are already availing now.
Sir, deploy our best brains to study the VRS packages given to other organizations like banks etc. To study why banks became almost empty after VRS? To conduct a survey on the lifestyle of the people who have taken VRS the benefits they got , the problems they face and are they recommending the VRS or not etc.
Sir VRS will be better then working miserably and facing this cut and that cut regularly.
Deepak kumar
9431610399
Your suggestion is on the basis that BSNL will continue its down fall and there is no escape. Our task is to improve and make it viable. It is not impossible. We are trying to see that it is improved and when the workers retire after 60 years he will get a beter deal and increased pension which he/she will get now. Loss making PSUs have been made profitable in amny instances. BSNL workers can do that. Let us be optimistic
Comrade we will be happy if we can stop VRS . But it is better to think and discuss about the other side of the problem i.e about the VRS calculations , income tax exemption for Exgratia and the other benefits like LTC before VRS and BSNLMRS without voucher and merfer of 78.2 % DA . If these problems are settled our compensation may also increase . This is only a suggestion
We should not be weak. Once you surrender to VRS, it will come again and there will be no work force to do the work which will result in the collapse of the company and privatisation. If three lakh workers stand together and strive to improve the BSNL there will be good results. The anti-PSU policy of the government and mismanagement have to be defeated.
Try to stop VRS or otherwise get better settlement for VRS !
Stopping VRS is best and in the interest of BSNL, the workers and the nation.
Dear Namboodri Sir,
I am a DR TTA who along with my fellow TTAs met u in National Conference held at HYDERABAD in 2004-05. I’ve posed six vital questions to you and Mr.Ashok Babu regarding future of BSNL.. I would like to remind you broadly that they are about EUs strategy towards 1. Obsorption of ITS officers into BSNL (a boss not part of his team is not a boss at all is what we thought) 2. face competition from pvt. operators (motivating employees, officers etc) 3. Utilization of newly recruited highly skilled and ready to act Young engineers who joined BSNL for a bright future 4. Union’s initiative in Utilization of infrastructure and resources. 5. Pressurising management over the issues related to maintenance and marketing aspects and their intrinsic relationship. 6. Corruption at all levels
While u expressed your helplessness in tackling these points and expressed your willingness to look into these points – Mr Ashok babu and others (your team) thought all my points are irrelevant to union matters – and they opined that all my points are of botheration to management. I could see a clear nexus between ITS cadres and leaders of recognized unions in opposing the public issue of BSNL when sensex was rallying above 18000 points and predicted to be reaching 2000. Reliance power which went for issue during that period only got 1200 crores as subscription, where as they were in need of 400 crores from public. The excess amount of Rs 800 crores, refunded to subscribers after six months could have got them an interst of at least two crores in investments over this period. Had the unions not opposed the Public issue during that period (probably in 2005-06) Over the years BSNL could have not landed into deficit budget, due to procurement of 2G equipment (motorola to nortel) and 3G equipment and many more like Broad band equipment, OCLAN and lot of equipment and OF cable on Transmission end. Thousands of crores of rupees have been invested in procurement of equipment which was installed by third parties and without any proper training people are made to tackle it, and they did it with little difficulty and adopted to work with it.
Unions have been playing a onlooker view over the wrong maintenance and marketing policies over the years and their role is limited to opposing whatever management says rather than advising constructively towards development of the organization, in turn the people involved. Today VRS is yet another management decision, which the unions are again routinely opposing… but everybody is sure that it will happen – if management wants it to happen. Neither you or any union is capable of stopping it. By the way it is good if some needy people are benefited by this move. I am with the management in this issue. No doubt this will raise the work pressure on those who remain in BSNL. But these are the people who are capable of making things happen in BSNL.
I am not opposing your views in my personal capacity. But I differ when I think it on the basis of what is good for BSNL. So it is better go for a better bargain instead of opposing the move.
Ravi kumar, TTA
Dear Com. Ravi Kumar,
I have gone through your comments. Basically we have to realise that the DOT/DTS/DTO was corporatised as part of the neo-liberalisation policy of the government. It is entirely different from the socialist pattern of society line which was announced by the first Prime Minister of India Jawaharlal Nehru. At that time government tried to start, encourage and strengthen PSUs. Now the government want these PSUs to be privatised and handed over to MNCs and Indian corporates. Disinvestment, VRS are all part of the scheme. VRS was introduced in MTNL when it was profitable. What is the position now. Has it improved? No. BSNL is one PSU, the workers of which have stood united and defeated the anti-worker policies of the government to the extent possible. The Joint Forum /Joint Action Committee has organised struggles to save BSNL and to ensure that procurement of equipment etc. are done quickly. I agree with you that it is not always possible to stop government decisions, but in the case of VRS and Disinvestment we could stop it twice even after the Minister announced both on two occasions. That does not mean that we can always stop, but we will try. It is the JAC which has focussed on all the points mentioned by you and gone on struggle. If you are in sevice for the past five-six years you will be fully knowing that. Even now,it is on the basis of the strong pressure that JAC has made, the procurement of phones, cables, drop wire etc. are purchased and the tender for GSM llines will be opened by November. Yes, sustained and united struggle is necessary. No body should be an on looker but should be part of this great struggle to save BSNL and its workers.
http://www.bsnlnewsbyashokhindocha.blogspot.com M-09426254999
http://www.bsnleuchq.com
Consumer Price Index for the month of August 2011 is 194. IDA from 1.10.2011 will increase by 4.8% and IDA from 1.10.2011 will be 52%.for BSNL
http://www.bsnlnewsbyashokhindocha.blogspot.com
Stopping VRS is impossible.So Let’s fight for a better package.
The decision of the JAC is to oppose and defeat it. We shall try for the same and we request all to support.
Respected Namboothiry …. I am extremely happy to interact with u ..
First of all, About VRS. Now I cant help favoring VRS. At the same time I don’t believe VRS alone can save this organisation because I cant agree that the employees alone are the reason for this WORST state of BSNL, but definitely employees has its own Role.
As u know Indian telecom industry is being undergone faster changes for the last few years, the focus of business has been changed from land line to mobile and now it is shifting from voice services to dataservices and frm technology driven to Devices driven. Having stiff competition in the market, inorder to retain customer base and keep live in the sector we must change according to the needs of the customers. Do you feel BSNL changes according to the needs of the customers or the trends in the Sector. We are always lagging in every aspects. Better service and Customer satisfaction are the keys of any business. It should be the aim. I believe We are getting salary and other benefits from the CUSTOMERS itself. So we should focus them.
The employee cost of bsnl is also very high. No company can make profit by spending nearly 45% of the income for its unproductive employees. VRS will definitely reduce employee cost and thereby expenditure.
In BSNL, the average age of an employee is 49. Age is an important factor which affects Productivity of employee. In telecom sector new technologies like 3g, 4g, wimax, LTE, FTTx, NGN, etc are introduced year by year(no other industry is facing such frequent changes). So we should get familiar with these technologies within reasonable time. If I am at the age of 49 I don’t think I will be able to learn these things. Then how can we provide better service to customers ?. Then how can a company having average age of 49 can run in this competitive market where the industry average age is below 30. ? So the present workforce is not ABLE to take this challenges in the telecom sector. Just compare our competitors FRONT End and our CSCs.. We should know atleast “what is Internet Explorer” while handling data services. The average age of the employees must be reduced, VRS above 45 is the better option for this because more than 50 percent of our employees are in this age group. It will definitely improve the ability of the company to overcome the challenges in the industry. So VRS should be implemented. Anyway U don’t have to oppose VRS ? Just Know the Meaning of VOLANTARY.. It is also the RIGHT of an employee to avail VRS If he think VRS is benefited for him. I don’t think U can do some thing. It should happen…
If U are opposing the proposed VRS Plan, What Measures do JAC suggest for the better future of the company and its employees ?
I don’t believe The VRS alone can save this company. We should recruit young Professionals as stated in the VRS proposal. The basic reasons are Mismanagement and the Wrong Policies by the government itself. Policies of Goverments are the main reason for the present state of BSNL. Here is the importance of Unions and Associations of an organization. I don’t think Unions and Associations are only for the RIGHTS of employees. But must have RESPONSIBILITIES too, Being a part of a PSU, U have the responsibility towards the nation. We have living examples like AIR INDIA, The victim of policies favoring Private sector.
Being the leader of the recognized Union and JAC during the tough time of BSNL, Do you feel U have done something so far for the betterment or financial improvement of the company ? I believe we could have avoided such a situation like this, if we had a single Genuine and Responsible Union or Leader in BSNL, Sorry Mr Nampoothiry… I feel You are a failure so far.. You did not learn anything from the past. You are hiding the facts from the employees and misleading us..
No GSM expansion has been done since 2007. If u are genuine u would have done something for the procurement of telecome gears. How many times you have organized STRIKES and Dharnas for this ? 4 years is not a short period in telecom industry. It is 11 months since the last 3 days strike, You said the management will procure the equipements within a short period.. which was projected as one of the achievements of that strike. Now U are conducting another STRIKE for the same demands. How can you justify this strike ..sir Unions are making the employees FOOLs. What about ITS Absorption… ?
The future of telecom industry is decided by DATASERVICES. Most of the Custmer needs higher bandwidth, Mobility, Pan india Roaming and Coverage, and reasonable Tariff. If we can provide such a facilities to customers.. Our future is Safe.. No competitor can be a threat to BSNL. But None of our services meet such a demand of the customer. Now,. We are providing dozens of services. But no expansion for 3g so far, not utilizing the existing capacity of 14.4Mbps, No expansion for EVDO. No bandwidth upgradation for BSNL broadband etc etc.
in the near future LTE will be a game changer. Go through the Plans of BSNL LTE. We got the spectrum 2 years ago. But the govt cheated BSNL by providing non standared spectrum of 2.3Ghz instead of 2.6Ghz for BSNL at the same cost of LTE compatible spectrum. Has the JAC taken this issue so far.. Now the management is going to surrender the spectrum… What may be the next…. were you sleeping ??? U should have taken up this…
As u know, we are not getting ADC, the USO subsidy, compensation for loss making rural services etc .. what have you done to change these policies ? Useless equipments are being procured from shell companies like VMC teracom etc.. were u blind ?
Sorry Mr VAN Nampoothiry, I cant help SAYING that U HAVE DONE NOTHING FOR THE COMPANY and the JAC has no interest on this company, BUT U ARE TRYING TO EARN MORE BENEFITES FOR VRS.. you are not going to achieve anything by the next strike.. its foolsh..
Now too I believe JAC can save BSNL… If U have the WILL.. by evaluating youself, protesting the govt policies, Understanding the reality, Pls come to ground, interact with customers and those who working in the field….
UNITY IS STRENGTH… and WHERE THERE IS A WILL.. THERE IS A WAY… But I am afraid,
Jay hind…
NB: EVENTHOUGH U SHOULD KNOW SOME SSAS AND CIRCLES ARE MAKING PROFIT UNDER THESE CIRCUMSTANCES TOO, FOR EG THE KANNUR SSA IN KERALA CIRCLE, UNIONS AND ASSOSIATIONS HAVE MAJOR ROLE IN THERE ACHIEVEMENT.. THEY HAVE A DIFFERENT WORK CULTURE.. U HAVE TO LEARN SOMETHING FROM YOUR JAC MEMBERS THERE. TRY TO MAKE UR MEMBERS ADOPT THE WORK CULTURE FIRST….!!! NOTHING IS IMPOSIBLE…
Dear Mr. Anoop, I have gone through your long comment. Thank u for the same. You may not be knowing that our organisation went on two strikes in 2000 to stop corporatisation but since the three recognised Federations unfortunately agreed for the same BSNL was born. Otherwise continuing in DOT would have helped both the organisation and the workers.
From the start BSNLEU and after formation of JAC, it have been propagating and telling the workers for the need to improve the sevices. A perusal of our journals and reports will voucher for this. In fact, you may not be knowing that the Joint Forum/Joint Action Committee was formed not for taking up the demands of the workers but for taking up the issues of BSNL itself. The first strike organised under the Joint Forum was on 11th July 2007 to stop the cancellation of the tender for 45 million mobile lines and the Minister was compelled to order at least half of that tender which helped the BSNL. It was due to the effort of the JAC that BSNL got the 3G spectrum in one year advance. If you go through the continuous struggle of the JAC many such instances where JAC has been able to get the service improved and also compel the government to implement its commitments can be seen. For further details you can go through our journals.
You may not be aware that the JAC called upon the workers to observe Customer Delight Year 2011-12 since May 2011. The targets are zero fault including cable faults, better service in all respects. JAC compelled the management for procurement of equipments and as a result about 17.5 lakhs of new telephone instruments are going to reach the fields, cables of all types are being purchased, modems have been ordered and 15 million GSM connections are trying to be E-tendered, Scrap materials have been sold for crores of rupees which have been lying in the yards for many years. Rented buildings have been vacated and the officers have been asked to go by ordinary classes. Meetings have been stopped in five star/three star hotels. All these measures have the pressure of JAC behind it.
In fact for the first time after two years, the negative growth has changed to positive growth since May 2011, even though very nominal. If a combined effort is made by the Management and the workers and equipments are procured, the grwoth will be more. I am at least optimistic. Loss making PSUs have been made profitmaking in the past also.
As far as VRS is concerned you might have already gone through our point of view which is accepted by the vast majority of the workers as can be seen from the fact all the unions/associations in BSNL are opposing the same and has organised agitational programmes against it.
Sir…
Thank u very much for the reply … and for your patience…
I am thinking in such a way that ” Now We cannot change our Past.. but we can change our future.. If we have the will”. For this we have to accept the failures and learn from the failures that happened in the past too… I dont think u feel u were always in the right path.. being the part of politics, you may not be Free to express your personal views openly..
As u said I am not aware of the circumstances during the formation of BSNL. Anyway we couldnot avoid the corporatisation of BSNL in 2000. You also realised that.
Sir. I know the Action Committee was formed not for taking up the demands of the workers but for taking up the issues of BSNL itself. But what I said is — the JAC is not upto the mark.. — It has failed to meet the expectation of employees.. it is lacking objective… lacking unity.. U might not be gone through the views of SNEA published in its website on 13th of September 2011. Its somewhat a confession… Pls Read this now If u havent yet seen.. this type of thinking is the need of the hour itself..
JAC has to stay on course and get united: JAC fundamentally came into existence in 2007 to launch broad based and sustained struggle on issues of policy of the government and the BSNL management. The struggle started on the issue of cancellation of 45.5 m GSM lines.
Over a period of time, JAC lost its objectivity and focus in terms of a serious drift on issues of policy. Today BSNL is bleeding because the government has abdicated all the policy commitments that BSNL is entitled to, namely, abolition of ADC, USOF, Rural service compensation, refund of spectrum charges for giving BSNL non standard BWA spectrum (Rs 8300 crores), payment of pension by BSNL on actual basic, ITS absorption, so on and so forth. Then there are critical policy issues pertaining to BSNL management i.e procurement of equipment, introducing new business mechanisms and processes to bolster growth of BSNL, greater accountability, performance based HR policies etc. etc.
Unfortunately, these issues have gone out of sight of JAC and unless these issues are addressed through unending, protracted and sustained struggle, struggle on other issues have virtually no meaning because other issues will get addressed once policy issues are attacked comprehensively. Hectic political and media support is needed and this support will be forthcoming once policy issues are focused and a sustained struggle is launched on those issues, whereas support will be completely absent on other issues.
Besides, JAC has gone considerably weak since two affiliates (NFTE and FNTO) have moved out for whatever reasons. Almost a parallel JAC is functioning which is counterproductive and undesirable. Weaknesses in JAC have become quite pronounced after the latest membership verification. Extraordinary maturity at this critical hour when there is a big question mark about bread and butter of lakhs and lakhs of workers has to be displayed by one and all to forge complete unity. This is really no time for petty politicking and scoring of points. And if the leadership of trade unions do not rise to the occasion by bidding good bye to internal squabbles and settling of scores, posterity will never forgive them for being extremely narrow minded and peevish
JAC has to undergo drastic transformation in prioritizing issues, deciding strategies, getting political and media support, project essentially issues of policy and finally making it once again formidable force that it emerged in 2007.
This is without prejudice to anyone, and SNEA(I) cannot and does not escape its share of responsibility in taking JAC to its present position. Thus JAC needs immediate course correction in raising and struggling intensely on issues of policy and injecting new life. SNEA(I) shall unquestionably continue to remain an integral part of JAC.
…. 13 sep 2011
It clearly says the importance of unity.. but JAC now lacks unity.. JAC could not convince the employees on its plans, now also the workers alliance are not participating in JAC activities.. The AIBsNLOA made it clear that they are not against VRS.. Some rethinking like SNEA is needed from your part .. Remember UNITY IS STRENGTH… WHERE THERE IS A WILL, THERE IS A WAY…. !!!
Sir, somethimg about the customer delight month and Year.. It was an appreciable initaitive by the JAC and it was the need of the hour.. But do you feel JAC could achieve the targets so far.. have u made the employees aware of the importance of such an initiative.. You could have done something more.. The JAC is powerful to do that. Remember the preparations for the STRIKES that you have conducted in the past.. The time is not over… You are aware of the Present status of our CSCs and our callcenters. I feel BSNL Customer care is the WORST in the telecom industry.. If you are Realy interested in CUSTOMER DELIGHT, the JAC should force the Management to implement the concepts of PROJECT SMILE in its true sence. As per reports, the project smile implementation might have been over.. !!!! but in practice nothing has been changed.. 6 More months to go.. its more than enough.. If so You can proudly say OUR initiative was a successful one.. Pls do atleast this..
As u described, if the management is procuring cables, instruments, modems etc , doing something for expenditure controll because of the pressure of JAC. Its good and it should be appreciated. But the procurement process of Mobile eqpmnts are not in a good position.. its hasnot yet come to an end.. but I hope it will happen…
As you know, We are lossing our Mobile customers after the introduction of MNP. By the end of august it has reached a net loss of More than 6.2 Lakhs.. As we have 2.8 lakh employees it is not a himalayan task to overcome the losses, Just go through the achievement of south zone circles, kerala crossed a net gain of 1.25 lakh by MNP, AP also reaches 1 lakh.. Others are also showing positive trend now. I think U are aware of the involvement of JAC members in these Places. This proves WE CAN if we have the will. But some circles like rajastan and Panjab are simply make us fools by lossing nearly 4 lakh customers so far.. If each and every employee can bring 3 customers into our fold we can simply make these figures positive.. If so It will be a great motivation for our staff.. it can change the morale of the employees too .. But so far no serious initiatives instead of some useless orders without any follow up has been taken by the management side. Here JAC can play a major role.. No investment is needed for MNP gain.. Being the leader of JAC and the Recognised union you can make your members aware of individual marketing.. we can …. IF WE HAVE WILL.. Pls try to get united.. UNITY IS STRENGTH…..
anoopck@in.com
I have gone through your comments. It is less or more the same points you raised earlier. Regarding SNEA(I) comments, I feel it should have been discussed in the meetings before publishing. However, SNEA(I) is fully participating in the JAC and Com.Jogi presided in the last meeting. The above issue was not at all raised. We have unanimously taken the decision to go on strike. If you go through the demands you will see that JAC is going on the correct line. The government could not disinvest BSNL and could not implement VRS so far shows that unlike in the other PSUs we could stop them till now. Compare with MTNL etc.
The non-participation of NFTE and FNTO is not based on the policy of the JAC. Chandeswar Singh (NFTE) was the President of JAC when they left. They could have discussed their differences, if any, in the JAC instead of leaving it. They perhaps might have their own compulsions. But again we are trying to bring them back together. The fact that till now JAC has taken only unanimous decision shows the democratic methods it had adopted.
Let all of the employess having 55 years for taking VRS for better future.
VRS is not for the better future of the employees. It is for the better future of the private companies who wants to see that BSNL is got dismantled.
VRS means Voluntary retirement scheme.What’s the problem if some people want to go voluntarily in their own interest.Those who want to stay may stay.Why the Union people are injecting negative feelings in the mind of staffs that this is like CRS etc…?Management is repeatedly saying that this will be purely voluntary.Instead of trying to stop VRS they should demand for better packages for the VRS seekers and fresh recruitments to fill up the shortage,that would be better for BSNL.
If VRS is strictly volunatary, why the management is giving the number of people to be sent out by VRS, executive, non-executive etc.
Sir.
My points on customer delight and MNP may not be worthy in your point of view.Let me conclude…
I am borrowing your own words …
“”Our task is to work better, make the management and government compel to take policy decisions and implementation to the benfit of the people and the company. And we also have to change our mindset and ensure better performance. There is no doubt that the company will improve…””
Yes .. it is meaningfull.. if you are considering the facts in its true sence… you can keep us away from atleast disinvestment… be prepare for that.. but VRS is inevitable ….
thanks
anoopck@in.com
Sir, Thanks for reply. You have mentioned that you have eailier stop the disinvestment & VRS. But, now the gin of VRS is again there with more power. My question is this, then what is the profit of such type of strikes by which the problems are settled for some time and it rises again with more power?
With regards.
why not
Yes, really.
Res, comrade, the expenditure towards salary is 46% due to this we are in loss, if so by introducing VRS the expenditure will be reduced by at least 30 to 40 % by which we BSNL may come in profit. And some 30 to 40 % employees are eagerly waiting for VRS due to ill haelth / double income / well settled in life / etc why U rae opposing VRS instead of offering better scheme.
I have already answered this question several times. By reducing the staff, the work suffers and the revenue will come down further. To reduce the expenditure, the staff will be retrenched again. This is a vicious circle. This is not going to strengthen the company. See the example of MTNL where, with the same arguments, VRS has been implemented thrice. Neither revenue nor profit has increased. It is a trap by the government and the management to reduce the staff in preparation for disinvestment and handing over the company to private hands as in the case of VSNL.
Anoher point is that for sending out one lakh workers, about Rs. 20,000 crore is immediately required. If this amount is utilised for development and expansion and equipments are procured urgently, there is no doubt that BSNL revenue and profit will increase without any VRS. Why the government is not prepared to sanction the amount for development and investment which it is prepared (?) to give for VRS? There is money for retrenching workers, but no for development!