Unfulfilled demands result in employee strikes across country

On February 13, 2023, contract employees and workers at NLC Tamil Nadu Power Limited (NTPL) in Thoothukudi, a joint venture between Neyveli Lignite Corporation India Limited (NLCIL) and the Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation (TANGEDCO), initiated a strike. 

They are demanding permanent positions, weekly holidays, overtime pay, and social welfare benefits, following the tripartite agreement established by NLCIL in 2020 that emphasises ‘equal pay for equal work.’ The Central Organisation of Tamil Nadu Electricity Employees (COTEE) is leading the strike and seeking enforcement of the Deputy Chief Labour Commissioner’s (DCLC) decisions to safeguard workers’ rights. NLCIL is a government-owned corporation under the Ministry of Coal.

In Maharashtra, state government employees have threatened to go on an indefinite strike starting March 14, 2023, to demand the implementation of the old pension scheme and equal dearness allowance. Teachers’ unions have also supported the move, which is expected to impact ongoing exams. 

The Maharashtra State Government Employees Federation (MSGEF) has called for a dearness allowance equal to what central government employees receive. The government will be given the strike notice on February 24.

In Bengaluru, the BBMP Employees’ Welfare Association has warned of a work stoppage and demonstration if their demands are not met, which would result in the closure of all BBMP offices. They are protesting against the lack of administrative and medical facilities, disruption of work due to deputation of special commissioners and deputy commissioners, and demanding the immediate appointment of permanent officers to address the administration’s needs, according to the association’s president, A Amrutraj.