Chandigarh: Over 4,000 contract workers at the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) in Chandigarh continued their protest on Monday, demanding increased wages. The strike, which began on October 10, is a response to the administration's failure to implement a court order granting higher wages since November 2018.
According to Rajesh Chauhan, President of the PGIMER Contract Workers' Union, the administration's inaction has left workers with no choice but to protest. "We've sent letters, but they haven't replied. The court ruled in our favor, but the administration refuses to budge," Chauhan said.
The protest involves various unions under the Joint Action Committee (JAC), including hospital attendants, sanitation workers, security guards, and other essential service providers. However, the Chandigarh Police have filed a fresh FIR against the workers for holding an unauthorized protest, citing disruption to critical patient services.
This is the second FIR in two months, following a previous protest on August 9. The police claim the workers' protest violates the district magistrate's order restricting unauthorized rallies, dharnas, and protests.
Key Demands
Higher Wages: Implementation of court-ordered wage increase since November 2018
Better Working Conditions: Improved facilities and equipment for contract workers
Recognition: Formal recognition of contract workers' unions
Previous Developments
- The Punjab and Haryana High Court directed protesting outsourced workers to stop the strike, citing disruption to patient care services
- The Union government assured the court that genuine grievances of workers would be addressed
The situation remains tense, with workers vowing to continue their protest until their demands are met.