Shimla: STP workers’ union demands equal pay for equal work

Shimla, July 9

The Sewage Treatment Plant Contract Workers Union (STP CWU), associated with the Centre of Indian Trade Union (CITU), has demanded equal pay for equal work.

The demand was raised during the seventh conference of the STP CWU which was held here today. During the conference, demand for regular employment for the STP workers as per the Supreme Court’s decision of March 12, 2024, with a separate wage schedule ensuring a minimum of 40 per cent higher wages compared to general labour, considering the hazardous and strenuous nature of sewage work, involving exposure to toxic and volatile gases, was also raised.

The demands also included registering the STP workers under the Factory Act and providing all facilities stipulated under the Factory Act.

The union emphasised compliance with the Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act, 2013, and provision of safety equipment recommended by the National Commission for safai karamcharis, including PPE kits, oxygen masks, gum boots, helmets, gloves, life jackets, safety goggles, safety belts, portable fans, first aid kits, soap, sanitizer, skin lotion, masks etc.

They also demanded identity cards, provision of changing rooms, bathrooms, laundry facilities and toilets, along with accommodation facilities with provision for meals and utensils.

The union also demanded bonuses, earned leave, casual leave, medical leave, national and festival holidays and annual increment based on seniority.