Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, July 27: Demanding wage revision, the officers and workers of Bhartiya Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) observed one day strike today, saying that wage revision has become due for the entire public sector from January 1, 2017.
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The Joint Forum of Unions/ Associations, J&K Circle Jammu said the Government formed 3rd Pay Revision Committee, headed by Justice Satish Chandra (Retired) for this purpose, which has already submitted its report and it was approved by Union Cabinet on July 19, 2017. As per the “Affordability Clause” of the recommendations, only such of those PSUs which have earned profit during the last three years are eligible to give wage revision to employees.
Since the employees of BSNL are not eligible for wage revision as per the recommendations of 3rd PRC, the unions and associations of BSNL have demanded exemption of “Affordability Clause” of BSNL. They have made it clear to the Government that BSNL became a loss making entity not because of employees but because of anti-BSNL policies and measures adopted by the Government. They added that BSNL was not allowed to procure mobile equipments for its mobile network expansion from 2006 to 2012. The tenders floated by BSNL to procure mobile equipments were cancelled one after another by the Government to benefit the private telecom companies.
The efforts and initiatives of officers and workers of BSNL and their unions and associations have significantly contributed in taking BSNL on the path of revival and hence the BSNL should be given exemption from the “Affordability Clause” of the 3rd PRC report and BSNL employees should be given wage revision with 15% fitment. To insist upon this demand the officers and workers had observed dharna on June 20, 2017 and hunger strike on July 13, 2017. Since the Government has not responded favourably, the officers and workers had to observe strike today.
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