Ranchi, Sept 25: The Jharkhand Urban Local Bodies Workers’ Union on Friday warned of a strike during Durga Puja if a decision on payment of bonus was not taken soon, even as the Labour Commissioner assured the workers that their demands would be taken up and a high-level dialogue arranged.
The Labour Commissioner held a meeting with union representatives for around 40 minutes from noon at his chamber in the Excise Building. Deputy Labour Commissioner and Assistant Labour Commissioner Avinash Krishna and Walter Kujur were also present.
The Labour Commissioner assured the union that directions would be issued for implementation of annual leave, national and festival holidays, casual leave and maternity leave, according to the union.
He also said action would be taken on issues concerning illegally removed workers, bonus payments by the municipal corporation administrator and compliance with existing agreements.
After receiving the union’s memorandum, the Labour Commissioner assured representatives that another meeting would be convened soon.
The union had proposed a demonstration-cum-gherao at 3 pm, but the programme was postponed. Workers instead held a meeting near the Labour Bhawan and raised slogans in support of their seven-point demands, including wage and bonus-related issues.
Addressing the gathering, CPI(M) leader Prakash called for preparations for a sustained struggle for regularisation. Referring to municipal workers in Haryana and Delhi, he said workers there had undertaken prolonged protests and strikes for regularisation.
“Regularisation will not be achieved without a strong and sustained struggle,” Prakash said, adding that labour laws and court judgments were in the workers’ favour.
Workers demanded payment of bonus before Durga Puja and early clearance of outstanding dues of A2Z. They also raised the slogan, “13,000 is not enough, not less than 18,000.”
Union president Bhawan Singh warned that workers would strike during Durga Puja if a decision on bonus payment was not taken soon.
“If there is no bonus, there will be a strike,” Singh said.
He said the date for payment of bonuses to sanitation corporation workers would be announced next week and that the announcement on annual leave would also be made soon.
Singh further said drivers and helpers would receive a salary increase of more than Rs 1,000, while variable dearness allowance would be paid from October. Together, these measures would result in an increase of around Rs 1,500 per month, he said.
Singh also urged MTS workers to maintain unity and prepare for the struggle for regularisation.
