BSNL strike on July 11 over GSM tender delay

New Delhi, July 8 (UNI) Thousands of employees and executives of Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL) will go on strike on July 11 to protest the delay in tender process to supply 45.5 million GSM lines.

The Unions would go on a one-day strike that would hit services across the country if the issue is not resolved, BSNL employees union leader V A N Namboodiri said in a statement.

''In case the issue (tender process) is not settled the strike will become indefinite,'' Mr Namboodiri added.

The tender document was floated in March 2006, which was finalised in October last year with successful bidders like Ericsson and Nokia.

Motorola, another bidder which failed to grab a share of the tender, filed a case against this, that was later withdrawn in April this year.

''Since Motorola has withdrawn the case in April, we demand the government for immediate implementation of the orders at the grassroot level in order to save the company as well as people's interest. Otherwise, we will take some direct actions, including strike,'' Mr Namboodiri said.

On the other hand, the government had earlier indicated that by another bidding, the BSNL will be able to save Rs 1,800 crore.

''Fresh bidding will take another two years till the equipments are brought, which will cost the company more than Rs 30,000 crore,'' Mr Namboodiri said.

Although Motorola has withdrawn the case, the management has not issued any orders for procurement of the lines, he added.

''Even if the order is made, it will take about more than 10 months for supply to BSNL,'' according to the Union leader.

However, there is no demand on the wage front or any other benefits for the employees. ''This agitation is only to ensure that BSNL is able to meet the huge demand of the people of this country for the BSNL GSM connections,'' he added.

Mr Namboodiri said the 3,60,000 BSNL and MTNL workers are agitated over the delay and have already sent about 10,000 of telegrams to the Prime Minister and Communication Minister.

''Because of the delay in tender, we will not be able to sustain in the market in terms of market share,'' he said.

At present, BSNL ranks at fourth place in terms of GSM sunscribers. But this may go down to the fifth position according to telecom regulator TRAI, he added.

UNI