GS BDPA's reply to SNEA

About 78.2% IDA merger

From SNEA site:

When the demand of fixation of new IDA scales @ 78.2% was strongly pleaded with Hon'ble MOC, he clearly directed CMD to discuss the issue with executive / non Executive Associations / Unions, failing which he advised us to meet him.

Our Comments: The issue of merger of 78.2% IDA merger with the pay scales of executives and non exeuctives  has to be done by the BSNL Management. The issue of merger of 78.2% for non executives was all along advocated by FNTO.  Somedays back, DoT has also raised query why it has not been merged with the pay scales. It is learnt that the issue of 78.2% IDA merger which was not in the agenda of Joint Action Committee discussions cropped up before the Minister on 20 04 10 during discussions.

Even at that time, BSNL management said there were no funds to merge 78.2% with the pay scales. The Minister immediately told the CMD, BSNL to look into this matter. If not, all unions can approach the Minister straightaway.

If it is merged with the pay, it is duly only by virtue of unity among all unions. Hope unity paves way for merger of 78.2% with the pay scales of executives and non executives.

GS BDPA writes:  Well, decision to call off strike was taken by the JAC after two marathon meetings with MOC & IT and their internal meetings. Now we find no reason to shirk from shouldering collective responsibility and isolating the JAC Partner on one count or the other.

It is painful that an issue of 78.2% IDA merger was not in their agenda, though we had repeatedly drawn the attention of concerned through our web and letters to authorities and submitting personal memoranda to CMD BSNL. We are glad to FNTO has supported our say and followed the same to level of MOC as well.

In last four decade we have seen number of strikes and result. We hope that in future while reverting to such drastic step (throwing Brahmastra) they will ensure that all are united in real sense and ensure such unity and solidarity at base level which was wanting this time.

It is always better to learn from experience and avoid its recurrence which will pave the way for bright and prospective future of BSNL and its workforce.

D.D. Mistry

GS BDPA, 21.04.10.