PGI contractual employees urge Punjab Governor to withdraw ESMA order

The Joint Action Committee (JAC) of the PGI Contract Workers’ Unions has appealed to Punjab Governor and UT Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria to revoke the Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA) notification imposed on PGIMER on August 11.

The order, issued under Section 4A of the Haryana ESMA, 1974, bans strike at the institute for six months. In a letter to the Administrator, the JAC termed the move as “provocative” and “legally untenable”, arguing that the UT Administration is not the competent authority to invoke ESMA at PGI, which is a Central autonomous body.

The unions contend that the ban violates workers’ rights and undermines ongoing negotiations over long-pending demands, including the payment of over Rs 80 crore in wage arrears to low-paid contract workers.

The JAC claimed that the Chandigarh Administration issued the notification without adhering to Section 6(2) of the Haryana ESMA, which requires prior hearing and notice. It also cited past court judgments and the Centre’s notifications (dated October 9, 2018 and January 13, 2023), mandating equal pay for contract workers performing duties similar to regular staff.

According to the JAC, the ESMA order aims to shield the PGI administration from accountability and delay the resolution of legitimate grievances.

They urged the Administrator to withdraw the notification immediately, warning that its continuation would “gag the voice of the working class” and “further erode trust” between employees and management.