The employees of state-owned BSNL have decided to launch a series of nationwide protests from Friday against any move by the management to reduce retirement age and the introduction of a voluntary retirement scheme.

As part of the protests, the employees will be holding rallies across the country on Friday, followed by a three-day long strike from Monday, according to the All-Union and Association of BSNL (AUAB), the umbrella body of officers and workers.

The employees union fears that the proposed reduction in the age of retirement to 58 and VRS are aimed at privatisation of the loss-ridden telecom company.

"With latest developments, it seems the government is pressing for it (privatisation)," Ranjit Kumar, AUAB leader from Bengaluru, told DH.

The association leaders said that the employees are completely against the move as it will leave several people unemployed.