The decision of the BSNL Corporate Office to curtail the Operation & Maintenance (O&M) budget has led to large-scale retrenchment of contract workers across various circles. During the Circle Heads’ meeting, discussions on staff cost reduction resulted in the CBB Section issuing orders for budget curtailment, forcing circles to drastically reduce expenditure on contract labour. As a consequence, contract workers engaged in essential services such as Electrical Wings, Housekeeping, and Security have been severely affected. Even after earlier reductions, the Finance Section issued another order on 08.12.2025, further reducing the wages of contract workers and discontinuing the payment of Dearness Allowance (DA) to casual labourers. This has aggravated the already precarious condition of these workers. The BSNLCCWF reviewed these alarming developments in its Central Secretaries’ meeting held in November 2025 and decided to observe a nationwide protest day on 7th January 2025. In accordance with this decision, demonstrations were successfully organised by contract and casual workers in several circles, including Kerala, Haryana, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Tripura, Maharashtra and Kolkata. Despite repeated representations submitted by BSNLCCWF to the Director (HR), PGM (Estt), and PGM (Admn), no concrete relief has been forthcoming so far. In view of the continued apathy of the management and the worsening condition of contract and casual workers, the BSNLCCWF has decided to intensify the struggle. As part of the next course of action, the union will approach the Chief Labour Commissioner and the Chairman of the Standing Committee, seeking their immediate intervention to protect the livelihood and rights of the affected contract and casual workers.

Ten Central Trade Unions (CTUs), at a National Workers’ Convention held on 9^th January 2026 at HKS Bhawan, New Delhi, have called for a countrywide General Strike on 12^th February, 2026 against the implementation of the four Labour Codes. The convention witnessed large participation from leaders and members of ten CTUs and other independent unions. A Charter of Demands was unanimously adopted, and speakers called upon the working class to unite against anti-worker labour policies. The convention demanded the immediate repeal of the Labour Codes and opposed the Government’s move to notify the Rules under them. The CTUs warned that continued implementation of the Labour Codes would lead to intensified struggles, including multiple-day or indefinite General Strikes and sectoral resistance actions. The declaration noted that the Labour Codes weaken trade unions and workers’ rights amid rising unemployment, privatisation of PSUs, erosion of democratic rights, price rise, and the commercialisation of education and healthcare. Solidarity was also expressed with farmers’ organisations. Com. Animesh Mitra, General Secretary, BSNLEU, participated in the convention along with comrades from Haryana and UP (West). BSNLEU has initiated campaign activities against the Labour Codes. The modalities of participation will be finalised in the forthcoming Secretariat and CEC meetings.

In response to the call of BSNLEU CHQ, a BA-level Convention was jointly organised by BSNLEU, AIBDPA, and the Casual Contract Workers Federation in a massive and enthusiastic manner on 09 January 2025 at the BSNL Multipurpose Hall, Panbazar. The convention was presided over by Com. B. K. Kakati, District President, BSNLEU. A large number of members from BSNLEU and AIBDPA participated, reflecting the growing unity and determination of the workforce. Com. Jayanta Kumar Choudhury, Circle Secretary, BSNLEU Assam Circle, addressed the gathering and briefed the members on the latest developments regarding the 3rd Wage Revision, the anti-worker policies of the Government, the implications of the four labour codes, and the importance of the 12 February General Strike. Com. Bijoy Deka, President, Casual Contract Workers, Kamrup District, strongly criticised the anti-worker stance of the BJP Government. Com. Atowar Rahman, District Secretary, AIBDPA Kamrup, explained in detail the dangers posed by the proposed pension policy and its adverse impact on employees. In his concluding address, Com. B. K. Kakati called upon the members and leadership to launch a new digital wave of struggle, going beyond traditional forms of movement, to effectively challenge the management and safeguard workers’ rights.

Today, a meeting of the General Secretaries of all Unions and Associations was held and the decisions taken in the meeting regarding the future course of action have already been communicated to all of you. In the meantime, it has been reliably learnt that the Management Committee has approved the Wage Agreement this morning, as committed earlier by the Director (HR) during negotiations with the Unions and Associations. Further, we have also received the Management’s commitment in writing in response to our programme. Our next meeting will be held on 20.01.2026, in which the future course of action will be announced. CHQ conveys its warm greetings and red salutes to all of you for successfully conducting the historic united struggle on 08th January, 2026. Keep your gunpowder dry to continue and intensify our future struggles. Launch a strong campaign highlighting our collective role in intensifying the struggle to achieve our justified demands. The letter received from the Management is attached herewith.

The issue relating to caste status verification in the Maharashtra Circle has emerged as a serious and long-pending problem, causing severe hardship to both serving employees and pensioners of BSNL. Due to the non-settlement of this issue, a large number of employees are facing undue harassment and denial of legitimate service and retirement benefits. BSNLEU had raised this matter in the National Council meeting held on 13.01.2025, during which the Management assured that appropriate guidelines would be issued by the Corporate Office to resolve the issue. Subsequently, the matter was again taken up as a reminder in the Formal meeting with the Director (HR) on 16.07.2025. At the circle level also, the issue was repeatedly raised by the Circle Union in meetings with the CGM, Maharashtra Circle. However, despite repeated discussions and assurances, the Corporate Office has so far failed to issue specific and clear guidelines to the CGM, Maharashtra Circle, resulting in continued uncertainty and suffering for the affected employees and pensioners. In view of the gravity of the issue and the prolonged delay, BSNLEU CHQ has now written to the CMD, BSNL, seeking his immediate intervention to ensure that necessary instructions are issued without further delay, so that relief is provided to the staff and pensioners affected by this long-pending problem.