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.

An emergent meeting of the General Secretaries of Unions and Associations was held to review preparations for the lunch hour demonstration scheduled on 08th January 2026 and to intensify the ongoing agitation. It was noted that the notice for the programme had already been served on the CMD, BSNL on 30th December 2025. The General Secretaries stressed the need to organise the programme in a united and effective manner across the country. After discussion, it was unanimously decided to issue a circular to all Circle and District Secretaries, calling upon them to ensure the grand success of the programme. A common banner highlighting our demands has also been circulated to all Circles.

All Circles, Districts and Business Areas are requested to take full and serious preparations for the lunch hour demonstration on 8^th January, 2026 and ensure its effective implementation throughout the country. Leaders at all levels are advised to coordinate and hold discussions with leaders of other unions to ensure unity and maximum participation in the programme. It may be noted that 8^th January, 2026 completes three months since the Wage Agreement was signed between the BSNL Management and the Recognised Unions. During this period, around ten Management Committee and Board meetings have already been held. However, the Management has not yet taken up the approval of the Wage Agreement, leading to widespread dissatisfaction among employees. As part of the preparations, Circles/Districts/BAs are requested to print banners, posters and placards locally, highlighting the burning issues of the workers, particularly the inordinate delay in Wage Agreement approval. Conduct AUAB meetings at District / BA / Circle level to discuss and finalise the programme. Ensure maximum participation, unity and discipline during the demonstration. Let us ensure strong mobilisation and united participation to make the Lunch Hour Demonstration on 8th January 2026 a grand success.