The Hindu Business Line : BSNL says officers' strike affecting competitiveness

EVEN as telecom services continued to be disrupted across the country, Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd management today said that strike by a section of the employees was uncalled for and was affecting the competitiveness of the company.

"In spite of assurance and the request from the highest level for withdrawing the agitation, such acts on part of executives is damaging the reputation, brand image and business of the company, the associations have preferred to continue with their agitation. This is totally uncalled for as this will result in weakening the position of BSNL in a highly competitive environment and will only benefit BSNL's competitors," said a BSNL press statement.

Executives of BSNL have been on agitation demanding faster promotion. These officers were absorbed in BSNL during March-April 2004. According to BSNL, these officers got a hike in their pay package of Rs 4,000-5000 per month on an average without any change of duties and responsibilities.

"They were also paid arrears in lakhs of rupees from October 2000 to their date of absorption. This has already put a significant burden on the financial health of the company in the long run. The BSNL Management has expressed its concern and anguish on the on-going agitation of its executive employees, which has created bad image in the minds of its esteemed customers," said BSNL.

Around 40,000 erstwhile Group 'B' officers of Department of Telecom with different recruitment rules, service conditions and promotional policies had been absorbed in BSNL during March-April 2004. As a part of their promotional avenues, these employees were promised upgradation of their IDA pay scale to the next IDA pay scale on time-bound basis in 4-6 years.

"As the promotional policy is to be implemented from October 1, 2000 and the date from which 1st promotion under this scheme can be given on any day between October 1, 2004 and October 1, 2006, the agitation is totally unwarranted and uncalled for and is an irresponsible act," said the BSNL statement.

The BSNL management has, however, assured to look into their demands in light of promotional avenues offered at the time of absorption. It has appealed to these officers to stop their agitation immediately.

The cellular operators had written to the telecom regulator seeking its intervention since the strike was affecting cellular services across the country.

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