MTNL, BSNL Unions Threaten Nationwide Strike

The Mahanagar Telecom Nigam (MTNL) and Bharat Sanchar Nigam (BSNL) employee unions have threatened a nation-wide strike after Diwali if their salaries are not paid and the Union leaders for both the public sector telecom companies said salaries for August and September were pending.

If our issues are not resolved soon, we will not sit idle. Union leaders of the two telcos said that salaries have been delayed, and they will go on a strike post Diwali if the government fails to give a clear direction on their revival soon. “Salaries have not been paid for August and September. Is this fair just before Diwali?” Dharamraj Singh, convenor of forum of MTNL unions and associations, told TOI.

BSNL also said that it will begin an agitation and will also join MTNL in the protests. “We want to understand the plans of the government regarding the revival of our companies. BSNL’s salary for September is yet to be paid, and we will protest against this,” K Sebastian said.

The government is working on a fresh plan to work out a revival, and senior functionaries from the telecom ministry have also discussed it at the Prime Minister’s office. A solution may soon be announced.