PGI contract workers to start chain hunger strike

Contract workers at PGI have announced their decision to start a chain hunger strike, pressing for their demand to release pending wages.

The decision was taken during a General Body meeting of the Joint Action Committee (JAC). The body announced the daily chain hunger strike from 9 am to 5 pm, but the exact date of commencement is yet to be decided.

On August 12, the PGI Director had given a written assurance to release the pending wages as per the central government's July 30 notification. Other demands include provision of medical facilities to all contract workers, maternity leave benefits for women employees, payment of bonuses, appointment of relievers against new or vacant posts and withdrawal of cases of workplace harassment.

Sanitation workers withdraw support from JAC

Meanwhile, the PGI Sanitation Employees Contract Workers Union has decided to withdraw its support from the JAC after an official allegedly referred to PGI sanitation workers as "thieves" and "scoundrels".

Over the past few months, contract employees at PGI have faced raised multiple issues, including the delayed salaries and arbitrary removal from duty.