Bonus
has been denied to the BSNL workers for the last two years on the plea that the
company has posted profit. It is true that the company is in loss, but the
primary responsiblity for this lies on the Government for its anti-PSU policy
and the non-governance by the Management. Why the company has started posting is
loss is known to all. The workers cn not be blamed for the loss and
punished.
Since
1997, when the government decided to pay bonus to central government employees
as a result of the strike of 1974 and the formation of Janata Government after
the debacle of the Congress in the 1977 elections, telecom employees and after
formation BSNL employees were continuously getting bonus. Bonus in BSNL was paid
on a Memorandum of Understanding between the BSNL Management and DOT in which
the recognised union is not a party. The union has demanded for a new Bonus
Policy for the last few years, but the management did not take any action.
Actually the productivity has increased, but the arbitrary condition that Bonus
will not be eligible if the company is not in profit is an arbitrary decision of
the management.
The
United Forum and BSNL Employees Union has strongly demanded that this year the
Bonus has to be paid whether loss or profit. It is the right of the workers. It
has been gained through sustained struggles by the employees. The change from
government to PSU can not be a reason for denial of Bonus.
The
United Forum has decided to observe Demands Day on 17th October 2012 on the
demands of Bonus, allotment of free spectrum to BSNL and MTNL and also against
the FDI in Pension and increase of FDI in Insurance sector. The next programme
will be massive dharna on 9th November at SSA/Circle/Co.O. levels.
The
agitation should be organised in a massive way so that the management should be
compelled to concede the just demands of the BSNL workers.
source: vannamboodiri .com