Contract staff strike work at PGI

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, January 20

On a call of the joint action committee of the PGI Contract Workers Union today, around 4,000 workers struck work against the alleged indifference of the PGI administration today.

Office-bearers and executive members of the union gathered at 11:45 am under the banner of the joint action committee to address the long-standing grievances of various contract worker unions associated with the PGI.

More than 2,000 contract workers took part in the sit-in from 2 pm to 6 pm in front of the Administrative Block.

The initial round of negotiations with the administration failed and the subsequent rounds were held to address the concerns raised by the committee.

The strike has impacted patient care services as these 4,000 contract workers, including sanitation attendants, are responsible for cleaning hospital premises, including OTs. The administration is making use of regular staff to continue services uninterrupted.

Prof Vipin Kaushal, Medical Superintendent and PGI spokesperson, said, “The agitating workers include hospital attendants, sanitation attendants, life operators and security guards. The strike commenced in the afternoon and that is why patient services were not impacted significantly. The discussions are going on and a final call will be taken after the meeting of the union with the Director.”

Meanwhile, condemning the administration’s alleged callous attitude, the committee highlighted the repeated cancellations of conciliation and negotiation meetings fixed for January 12, 15 and 18. The committee, comprising unions representing safai karamcharis, security guards, hospital attendants and electrical workers, unanimously decided on a series of actions.

The committee emphasised their intent to reassess the situation after the meeting to determine the course of action, including the possibility of a one-day strike or an indefinite stir. The demands put forth by the committee include the absorption/regularising contract labour, implementation of fair wages, medical facilities for non-ESI covered staff, bonus for those earning over Rs 21,000 and round-the-clock canteen service.

Administration holds meeting with JAC

Meanwhile, in four negotiation sessions held from 12:30 pm to 8 pm, the PGI Administration and the PGI Joint Action Committee (JAC) of Contract Workers Unions reached a settlement. The strike has been called off by the union until the next meeting. The discussions centered around several key issues raised by the committee.

Both sides have agreed to re-examine the matter in light of the Supreme Court’s judgment in the case of Steel Authority of India Vs. National Union Water Front Workers & Others dated August 30, 2001, and Civil Appeal No. 8446-8447 of 2022. If affirmative, the agenda will be presented before the Standing Finance Committee.

The Director, PGI, has committed to a joint meeting with the Ministry of Health, New Delhi, to seek an immediate resolution. The outcome will be communicated to the committee by January 27.

The terms and conditions of the tender document will be revisited to ensure that contract and outsourced staff are covered under the relevant insurance scheme.

With regard to grant of bonus for contract staff earning over Rs 21,000, he matter, deemed covered under Rule 25 of the CLRA Rules, 1971, will be jointly examined by the PGI officials and the representatives of the committee, with a decision expected within the next two working days.

The possibility of a 24x7 employees welfare canteen or subsidised canteen facility in vicinity of the PGI campus will be explored.

The next meeting is scheduled for January 29 at 11:30 am. It has been emphasised that there will be no victimisation of any contract worker.

Their demands

The demands put forth by the committee include the absorption/regularising contract labour, implementation of fair wages, medical facilities for non-ESI covered staff, bonus for those earning over Rs 21,000 and round-the-clock canteen service.

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