IGMC outsourced staff strike work, services hit

Healthcare services were hampered at the Indira Gandhi Medical College and Hospital (IGMC) after over 500 outsourced employees went on an indefinite strike from today. The outsourced staff went on strike in protest against the hospital administration ending the services of 132 outsource staff on December 31.

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The outsourced staff mainly comprises sweepers, ward attendants, security personnel, data entry operators, operation theatre assistants, etc. Due to the strike, the functioning of operation theaters, ECG, laundry, general cleanliness were disrupted. Even the OPD services were affected to some extent. Except for emergency services, most services were affected. The hospital administration could not be reached for comments despite repeated attempts.

The outsourced workers union has further warned to further intensity the strike if the dismissed workers were not taken back immediately. The protesters occupied the main entrance of the hospital. The district administration and police tried to convince them to end their protest but the protesters refused to end their dharna.

The union has decided to continue the agitation through strike, marches to Raj Bhavan, Secretariat, Mahatma Gandhi statue, Deputy Commissioner’s office, etc, until the dismissed staff is taken back.

CITU state president Vijender Mehra and outsourced employee union president Virender Lal accused the hospital and contractors of exploiting the workers. They further alleged that workers in the hospital were not even getting minimum wages announced by the government.

Besides, they alleged issues EPF, ESI, holidays, eight-hour working days, salary payment before 7th of every month, bonus, changing room, two uniform sets etc., remained unresolved.