STP workers demand equal pay, safe working conditions

The Sewage Treatment Plants (STP) Contract Workers Union, affiliated with the Centre of Indian Trade Union (CITU), staged a protest outside the office of the Managing Director of Shimla Jal Prabandhan Nigam Limited (SJPNL) on Monday. The workers pressed for regularisation of jobs and equal pay for equal work.

The union’s demands included the issuance of identity cards, separate changing rooms and sanitation facilities for men and women, proper arrangements for food, tool storage and safe drinking water with aquaguards at all STPs. They also sought repairs and roofing of old staff quarters, construction of new housing, seasonal uniforms, filling of vacant posts, correction of EPF and ESI errors with pending payments cleared, timely salary disbursement before the seventh of each month, bonus benefits, increments based on seniority and provision of earned, casual, medical, national and festival leave.

Addressing the workers, Vijender Mehra, state president, CITU, stressed that all STP workers must be granted equal pay in line with the Supreme Court’s October 26, 2016 order. He further demanded a separate wage schedule with 40 per cent higher pay than minimum wages, citing the hazardous nature of sewerage work, where workers are exposed to toxic and flammable gases.

He also called for strict enforcement of the Manual Scavengers Act, 2013 and supply of full protective gear, including PPE kits, oxygen masks, gum boots, helmets, gloves, safety jackets, safety glasses, belts, portable fans, first-aid kits, soaps, sanitisers and skin protection lotions.

A delegation of the union later met Virender Thakur, MD, SJPNL and submitted a 24-point charter of demands. Thakur assured them of due consideration. However, workers warned that they would intensify their agitation if the demands are not addressed promptly.