Employees of Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Ltd. (MTNL) have begun a series of nationwide protests demanding clarity on their future, as the company’s services continue to be merged with Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd. (BSNL).
The demonstrations, which started on June 16, 2025, are expected to continue until the end of July, spanning major telecom hubs such as Sanchar Bhawan in Delhi and MTNL Telephone House in Mumbai.
The protests reflect growing unrest among MTNL’s workforce, who fear being left behind in a company that is rapidly losing its operational relevance.
Services are being transferred to BSNL, leading to major structural changes at MTNL.
Employees claim the company is becoming an “empty shell,” left with only liabilities, assets, and infrastructure, while losing its revenue streams and operational functions.
MTNL Employee Grievances: HR Benefits Suspended, No Transition Roadmap
In a formal letter dated June 6, MTNL employee unions raised their concerns with the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), addressing Communications Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, MTNL CMD, and Secretary Neeraj Mittal.
The unions highlighted several key grievances:
- Suspension of HR benefits, including promotions, financial upgrades, and career progression
- Lack of a formal transition roadmap for redeployment
- Demand for withdrawal of the March 11, 2025 DoT order, which allegedly disrupts existing entitlements
- Call for a joint negotiation committee to resolve pending HR and transition issues
Union leaders argue that despite repeated appeals, the government has failed to provide a transparent plan, leaving 2,500–3,000 employees in limbo.
Government’s Position: Redeployment Under Consideration
Government sources have indicated that options are being explored to redeploy affected employees across the DoT, BSNL, and other ministries.
However, no formal communication or timeline has been shared with the unions, further fueling anxiety and speculation.
The uncertainty is compounded by MTNL’s deteriorating financial health. In FY 2023–24, the company reported a loss of ₹3,303 crore, up from ₹2,911 crore the previous year.
Revenue dropped by 15%, and debts rose to ₹25,795 crore.
MTNL’s subscriber base also declined, with services now limited to Delhi and Mumbai, while BSNL operates pan-India.
Union Response: Escalation Warning and Demand for Dignity
The Forum of MTNL Unions and Associations represents the company’s workforce. It has warned that protests will intensify if their demands continue to be ignored.
They emphasize that the issue goes beyond just job security. It also involves concerns about dignity, transparency, and fair treatment during the transition.
Union representatives have called the current situation a “collapse of employee morale,” urging the government to act before the unrest escalates further.
The June 6 letter is described as a “humble appeal for intervention”, seeking protection for thousands of employees caught in a restructuring process that lacks clarity.
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