Guidelines & Instructions for “Work-According to-Rule” Mode of Protest Programme w.e.f. 16th April 2026

Guidelines & Instructions for “Work-According to-Rule” Mode of Protest Programme w.e.f. 16th April 2026:

Dear All Office Bearers,

As you are aware, the Bharat Doorsanchar Manch (BDM) has served notice to commence a Work-to-Rule mode of protest from 16th April 2026 onwards. To ensure clarity and uniformity in execution, the following instructions are issued for guidance of all members and employees participating in this program.

1] Understanding “Work-to-Rule”

“Work-to-Rule” is a legitimate and peaceful form of industrial protest in which employees perform their duties strictly as per the terms and conditions of their appointment, relevant rulebooks, and prescribed procedures and nothing beyond that. The objective is to demonstrate adherence to the same set of rules which management so frequently cites while denying rightful benefits to employees.

Under this protest, “work” shall be governed by the following characteristics:

Literal Compliance: Perform all official duties exactly as stated in the job description, following every procedural and quality requirement meticulously.
Defined Effort: Restrict work to the duties and responsibilities specifically mentioned in the rulebook or assignment order.
Withdrawal of Discretionary Effort: Avoid unpaid overtime, refrain from performing voluntary or non-mandated tasks, and do not use personal resources (mobiles, laptops, internet, vehicles, etc.) for official work.
Strict Adherence to Timings: Follow prescribed duty hours, take due breaks, and conclude work exactly at the end of the shift.
No Voluntary Duties: Politely decline any work that is not part of job responsibilities unless ordered in writing with explicit reference to the applicable rule or authority.

2] Context and Reason

It is unfortunate that despite repeated attempts by AIGETOA, BTEU, and BDM to resolve key issues through dialogue, management continues to deny legitimate demands related to Pay, Pension, Promotions, 3rd PRC implementation, pending issues of 2nd PRC.

The persistent inaction and lack of empathy have left employees with no choice but to respond by exercising their rights within the framework of the same rules management upholds.

3] Implementation Guidelines

* Work strictly as per written instructions, not on verbal orders.
* In case any superior insists on tasks beyond the rulebook, seek the direction in writing mentioning the rule reference.
* All official communications should be routed through E-file or other formal channels.
* Avoid performing any task not explicitly assigned or permissible under official duties.

4] Next Phase: Restriction on Personal Devices

In the subsequent phase of this program, members shall begin withdrawing from official WhatsApp or similar groups operated on personal Android/iOS devices. Since management has not extended a realistic reimbursement for smartphones, employees should limit their official communication to feature phones provided under BSNL official SIM connections. This step will symbolically and practically align with the principle of working strictly within the defined official framework.

5] Further Course of Action

The next set of collective directions will be issued following the Emergency Meeting of CS, CP, and CHQ scheduled at New Delhi on 26th-27th April 2026.

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