IN PHOTOS: Contract workers in state demand reforms; stage protest in Mumbai

Municipal Contract Workers' Association on Friday participated in a protest called by the Workers Employees Joint Action Committee Maharashtra at Mumbai's Azad Maidan. They said contract workers have been performing essential roles but often under poor working conditions. The committee has called for immediate reforms to address their issues. Pics/ Atul Kamble

Updated On: 2024-08-23 09:26 PM IST

Compiled by : Sanjana Deshpande

Municipal Contract Workers' Association on Friday participated in protest called by Workers Employees Joint Action Committee Maharashtra at Mumbai's Azad Maidan

They said many contract workers in Maharashtra have been working with civic bodies, government hospitals etc for 10-15 years but don't get hired as permanent staff despite a previous court order. 

They (contract workers) work for lower wages and without the benefits that permanent employees receive. They frequently face inadequate social security, such as no provident fund or insurance, the committee said.

Many have not seen wage revisions in years, leading to exploitation and financial insecurity, the committee said. 

Contract workers are struggling with the high cost of living, including inflation, expensive education, healthcare, and housing. These financial pressures force them into substandard living conditions, creating significant unrest and dissatisfaction, the committee added.

It has urged the government to address these issues by reforming the current system. They also demanded the abolition of the Contract Labour Act, which allows the practice of hiring contract workers for permanent roles. They seek to end the use of contract labour entirely and ensure that current contract workers are integrated into regular employment with full benefits.

There is a call to file lawsuits against employers who have failed to provide contract workers with legal minimum wages and social security benefits. The committee argues that many contract workers have been deprived of these entitlements, and legal action should be taken to rectify this.

The committee is advocating for a minimum wage of Rs 26,000 per month across all industries. They also call for equal pay for equal work, a minimum pension of Rs 10,000 for workers over 60, and better compensation for contractual teachers according to UGC norms. They also demanded repealing of four new labour codes recently passed by Modi government. 

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