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.

A review meeting of the Unions and Associations of BSNL was held at the AIGETOA CHQ Office, Eastern Court, New Delhi, on 8th and 9th January 2026, following the successful Nationwide Lunch Hour Demonstration held on 8th January 2026. The meeting was convened to review the Lunch Hour Demonstration programme and to deliberate on the future strategy and course of action for the ensuing agitational programmes. The leadership appreciated the enthusiastic and massive participation of BSNL employees across the country, which made the programme a grand success. The meeting noted that the Management Committee has approved the proposal for wage negotiations. It was also assured that the Chennai / Tamil Nadu issue will be resolved to the best satisfaction of all concerned. It was further informed that the BSNL Board Meeting will be convened shortly to approve the Committee’s report, after which it will be forwarded to the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) for further necessary action. Regarding other pending issues, the meeting resolved to continue sustained discussions with the appropriate authorities until all legitimate demands are settled. The Unions and Associations extend their sincere thanks and congratulations to all, particularly the Circle Presidents, Circle Secretaries, District Presidents, District Secretaries, Office Bearers, members and employees of BSNL, for their active participation, dedicated efforts and successful conduct of the programme.

An enthusiastic and aggressive lunch-hour demonstration programme was successfully held today at all BA/OA-level BSNL offices and exchanges across the country. The programme was organised following the collective call of all BSNL Unions and Associations. A formal notice had been served on the CMD, BSNL on 30.12.2025, announcing the intensification of the struggle and demanding immediate Board approval of the Wage Agreement. However, even as of 8th January, the Wage Agreement has remained pending for Board approval since 8th October 2025. In addition, the BSNL management continues to ignore the long-pending Tamil Nadu–Chennai issue, despite repeated demands for its amicable settlement. In an attempt to postpone today’s programme, the management convened an emergent meeting in the morning, during which the Director (HR) held discussions with the General Secretaries. Senior officers including PGM (SR), PGM (Estt) and PGM (Legal) were also present. The meeting lasted for over an hour, during which the leaders forcefully conveyed the strong sentiments of the members. The General Secretaries categorically asserted that immediate Board approval of the Wage Agreement is the need of the hour and settlement of the Tamil Nadu–Chennai issue is mandatory. They warned that failure to address these demands would compel the unions to intensify the struggle to higher stages. After the conclusion of the meeting, all the General Secretaries joined the massive gathering of Executives and Non-Executives and addressed the members. The large and energetic gathering at the Corporate Office, Eastern Court, reflected the unity and determination of BSNL employees. The leaders announced that the struggle will continue relentlessly until approval of the Wage Agreement by the BSNL Board and a favourable Government decision on relaxation of the affordability clause for implementation of the Wage Agreement and the 3rd PRC. The CHQ conveys its warm greetings and congratulations to all members and organisers for successfully conducting this powerful programme in all circles across the country.