After reportedly multiple rounds of negotiation, the 3,500 contractual workers from the Post-Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, who had gone on strike for two days, decided to call off the strike. The workers have been seeking equal work, equal remuneration and other benefits. The protestors included kitchen staff, sanitation workers, laundry staff as well as security personnel working on contract all of whom boycotted work, affecting health services.
These contract workers began protesting on 3 April 2024 when their union leaders were detained for calling and planning a strike.
had gone on strike on Wednesday in Chandigarh after their union leaders were detained the previous evening while planning a protest.
The protestors have been assured that meetings will be held with the Union Health Ministry so that funds can be obtained to implement similar pay. This assurance lead to them calling off the strike. The Punjab and Haryana High court has already given clearance for similar pay. Implementation is being delayed for want of funds.
Additionally, contract workers wish to be regularised as per the Central government’s notification of December 2014 that prohibits contract labour.
That means, a regular workforce will need to be put together in alignment with the Supreme Court’s judgment in August, 2021, in the SAIL vs National Water Front case. It is hoped that the matter will be resolved today, that is, 5 April, 2024.
