AMAWU suspends agitation after representatives of Airtel workers reached an understanding with Bharti Airtel over a proposed salary revision for caretakers in Manipur. However, the available reports do not confirm a completed salary hike agreement with Indus Towers. Instead, Bharti Airtel agreed to consider the workers’ demand and sought three months to complete the process and obtain approval from its head office.
The development has temporarily reduced the possibility of a statewide Airtel network shutdown. Nevertheless, the All Manipur Airtel Workers Union (AMAWU) has kept pressure on Indus Towers, warning of renewed and stronger agitation if the company does not respond positively to the workers’ demands.
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AMAWU Suspends Agitation After Airtel Talks
The AMAWU suspends agitation development follows a non-cooperation movement that the union began on July 15, 2026. The workers had demanded higher salaries and other incentives, arguing that caretakers maintaining telecom infrastructure were receiving inadequate wages.
The union initially suspended its agitation until September 15 after Airtel authorities in Shillong agreed to consider the demands. At that stage, however, the suspension did not represent a final settlement or confirmed implementation of a salary increase. Instead, it provided time for discussions between the workers and the company.
The issue gained further attention during talks held in Imphal on August 20. Officials from Bharti Airtel’s Guwahati office participated in the discussions alongside representatives of the All Manipur Trade Union and Airtel Workers Union.
According to the union’s August 22 statement, Bharti Airtel agreed to increase the salary of caretakers working under the company. However, the company requested three months to prepare the proposal and secure approval from its head office. The unions accepted the additional time and agreed to defer the planned agitation concerning towers under Bharti Airtel.
Consequently, the current position represents a negotiated pause rather than an immediate implementation of the complete wage demand. The distinction remains important because workers are still waiting for the proposed revision to move through the company’s approval process.
Salary Demand Remains Central to Dispute
The workers’ salary demand has been at the heart of the agitation. AITUC general secretary L Sotinkumar said in August that Manipur had around 400 Airtel towers, while some workers continued to receive only minimum wages. He claimed that some workers were earning as little as ₹6,500 per month and that their salaries had not been revised since 2015.
The union has argued that a minimum salary of ₹14,000 would be a reasonable level for the workers. The demand reflects the union’s broader argument that caretakers responsible for maintaining telecom infrastructure should receive compensation that reflects their responsibilities.
Furthermore, the dispute has highlighted the role of workers who operate within the wider telecom infrastructure ecosystem. Telecom networks require regular maintenance, site monitoring and technical support, particularly across areas where towers are spread over large distances.
However, the exact employment arrangements differ between companies and contractors. Therefore, salary negotiations must account for the relevant employer, contractor arrangements and applicable wage provisions rather than treating all telecom workers as a single category.
The union has consequently sought separate responses from Bharti Airtel and Indus Towers. The latest developments show that the two companies have not followed the same negotiation path.
Indus Towers Faces Separate Agitation Threat
While Bharti Airtel agreed to consider a salary increase, Indus Towers had not held talks with AMAWU according to the union’s August 22 statement. The union said Indus Towers had not sent a representative for negotiations.
This distinction is crucial because the user’s original claim of a salary hike agreement with Indus Towers is not supported by the available reporting. Instead, AMAWU warned that it could launch a more intense agitation against Indus Towers from September 16 if the company failed to provide a positive response.
The union had earlier warned that a statewide shutdown of Airtel networks could follow if its salary demand was not addressed by the September deadline. After discussions with Bharti Airtel, however, the union deferred action concerning towers under that company for three months.
The situation involving Indus Towers remained separate. AMAWU said it had informed Indus Towers officials about the progress of its discussions with Bharti Airtel. Nevertheless, the union maintained that the absence of talks could lead to renewed industrial action.
Therefore, the next phase of the dispute could depend heavily on whether Indus Towers engages with the workers and whether both sides can establish a formal process for considering their demands.
Telecom Services Could Face Further Pressure
The dispute carries wider significance because Airtel infrastructure supports mobile connectivity across Manipur. Any prolonged industrial action affecting tower operations could create concerns about continuity of telecom services.
The proposed shutdown threat was particularly significant because the union had linked its earlier demands to network operations. Although the talks with Bharti Airtel reduced the immediate possibility of such action against towers under that company, the warning involving Indus Towers remained.
Moreover, Indus Towers operates telecommunications infrastructure used by major telecom operators. Its 2024-25 reporting identifies Bharti Airtel as a major customer, while the company also serves other large telecom operators. The company has described a significant portion of its workforce as manpower engaged through third-party contracts.
This broader infrastructure structure helps explain why worker-related disputes can involve several companies and contractual arrangements. At the same time, it also means that responsibility for wages and employment conditions can depend on the specific contractual relationship.
The situation therefore requires careful negotiation rather than assumptions about which company directly employs individual workers. Clear communication between unions, telecom operators and infrastructure companies could help prevent further disruption.
Meanwhile, the three-month period granted to Bharti Airtel provides an opportunity for the company and workers to work through the proposed salary revision. The eventual outcome will depend on the company’s internal approval process and the terms finally agreed with the union.
Conclusion
The AMAWU suspends agitation development marks a temporary easing of the wage dispute involving Airtel workers in Manipur. Bharti Airtel agreed to increase the salaries of caretakers under its network but requested three months to prepare the proposal and obtain head-office approval. The union accepted that timeframe and deferred its planned action against Bharti Airtel towers.
However, there is no verified evidence in the latest available report that Indus Towers has already agreed to a salary hike. Instead, AMAWU said Indus Towers had not held talks with the union and warned that stronger agitation could begin from September 16 if the company did not respond positively.
Therefore, the dispute remains only partly resolved. Bharti Airtel’s proposed wage revision has created space for further negotiations, while the separate disagreement with Indus Towers could determine whether the broader agitation resumes.
FAQs
What does AMAWU suspends agitation mean?
AMAWU suspends agitation means the All Manipur Airtel Workers Union has temporarily deferred planned industrial action after discussions with Bharti Airtel over salary revisions for caretakers.
Did Indus Towers agree to a salary hike?
No confirmed agreement with Indus Towers was reported in the latest available coverage. The union said Indus Towers had not held talks with its representatives.
What did Bharti Airtel agree to?
Bharti Airtel agreed to increase the salaries of caretakers working under the company but requested three months to prepare the proposal and obtain approval from its head office.
What salary demand did the workers raise?
The union has demanded improved wages for Airtel caretakers. AITUC general secretary L Sotinkumar said some workers were receiving around ₹6,500 per month and supported a minimum salary demand of ₹14,000.
Could Airtel workers resume agitation?
Yes. AMAWU warned that it could intensify its agitation if its demands were not addressed. The union also specifically warned of stronger action against Indus Towers if the company did not respond positively.