The contract workers engaged in BSNL have not been paid wages for more than one year on the plea by the management that the company is in financial crisis. Out of the 1 lakh workers earlier, about 50,000 stands retrenched, even with out paying their due wages. About 50,000 who are still working are also not paid wages. Despite instructions from the Chief Labour Commissioner and Labour Commissioners in the states, wages are not paid. This is not only violation of labour rules, but also an attack on the livelihood of the workers and their families.

BSNL Casual and Contract Workers Federation demands the BSNL Management to take a sympathetic view and give priority to the payment of wages to these low paid workers with the arrears. After VRS, BSNL is settling one after another payment, but least priority is given to payment of wages to contract workers. This is not acceptable. Payment has to be made urgently.