BSNL CONTRACT LABOURERS ON PATH OF AGITATION

On 2 September last, a delegation of the ‘BSNL Job Contract Labourers’ protesting against various injustices being meted out to them and violations and impingement upon their constitutional rights, met the top authorities of Calcutta Telephones in Kolkata. The delegation comprised, among others, Medha Patkar, noted social activist and Anindya Roy Chowdhury. Kolkata district Secretary, AIUTUC. The delegation pointed out the critical situation faced by the BSNL, a viable public sector enterprise, because of the decision of privatization, obviously to benefit monopoly-owned telecom houses. They also gave an ultimatum of 15days to the BSNL authorities as the principal employer, to resolve the issues.
A number of people’s organizations including Swaraj India, Fish workers’ movement, AIUTUC, All India Shramik Swaraj Kendra, Athreyee Bachao Andolan, Organization of Chhay Bagan Workers, Sara Bangla Transport Workers Association etc. declared support to the BSNL Job Contract Labourers. Decision on next steps to escalate the struggle will be taken after the authorities revert to them.