BSNL staff launch 3-day hunger strike

Ludhiana, September 27 The three-day hunger strike by the staff of Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) started today under the directions of the United Forum, New Delhi.

Harinder Singh, convener of the United Forum, Ludhiana, said the main demands of the striking employees include immediate replacement of non-standard pay scale by standard pay scale for Junior Telecom Officers (JTOs) and equivalent cadres from January 1, 2007. The issue was related to second pay revision on January 1, 2007, and now third pay revision is in progress, which shall be implemented from January 1, 2007.

“Extending 30 per cent superannuation benefit to the BSNL recruited employees as per the recommendation of the second PRC. As there is no pension for the BSNL employees, so this 30 per cent superannuation benefit is must for their social security,” he added.

 Harinder Singh said this was a pending issue which relates to promotion of the executives. At present, the promotions are withheld due to various court cases throughout the country.