Mysuru: Employees of Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) in Mysuru began their three-day strike this morning in support of their demands. The strike was observed in response to the nationwide strike called by All Unions and Associations of BSNL (AUAB), New Delhi. The AUAB, Karnataka Circle, Bengaluru, has also supported the strike. There are over 600 BSNL employees in Mysuru city and 1,500 employees in the district. Today, only employees and non-executive employees struck work while executives and heads stayed away.

Striking employees assembled in front of BSNL offices at Jayalakshmipuram and Nazarbad and shouted slogans against the government against what they called a move to close down BSNL by denying a level playing field to the company to compete with private players.

The employees are demanding benefits under Pay Revision Committee and this includes 15% increase in salary for executives and for non-executives, increment should be as per eighth wage negotiations, effective Jan. 1, 2017. They have asked for revision of pension for BSNL retirees and delinking pension with pay revision.

The striking workers are demanding the allocation of the critical 4G spectrum to BSNL, which will help the loss-making entity to revive and survive. In Mysuru, the strike is led by BSNL Mysuru Employees Association President Nagendra, Convener R. Ganesh and Secretary N. Subramanya.

Meanwhile, the government has assured the agitating employees that it will address their pending demands as well as initiate steps to revive BSNL. The government has refuted these reports and has declared that BSNL will not shut down.