The strikes and protests were in response to a call given by All Goa Municipal Workers Union (AGMWU) urging the municipal workers to fight for their rights.
Union leader Govind Mandrekar complained that, “The State government has implemented Seventh Pay Commission recommendation to other government employees, but failed to extend the same to the municipal staffs.”
The municipalities that witnessed strikes and protests are Sanquelim, Cuncolim, Curchorem, Margao and Mormugao.
In Sanquelim, at least 15 municipal employees staged a sit-in protest.
“Since the government is implementing the 7th pay to its employees, it should also implement the same to municipalities across the State,” the workers demanded.
Due to the strike, the garbage was not lifted in the town causing inconvenience to the public.
In Cuncolim, some thirty-odd employees with placards in their hands shouted slogans demanding implementation of 7th Pay Commission, in front of the municipal building.
The employees were angry that they have not been brought under the 7th Pay when all government employees have been brought under the same. They warned that they would be forced to go on strike if Council fails to meet their demand.
Meanwhile, the municipal authorities assured the employees that they would discuss their demand at the Council meeting and take a positive decision in coordination with Directorate of Municipal Administration.
In Curchorem, the employees went on a one-day strike complaining that they have not been included in the notification issued by government to hike the salary of the government employees as per seventh pay recommendations.
When contacted, Municipal Chairperson Sushant Naik informed that he met and assured the striking employees that he would put the proposal for consideration at the next council meeting.
In Margao, the municipal employees staged a dharna at the municipal office and blocked its entrance for full three and half an hour.
In Vasco, the workers went on half a day long strike over pending demands and importantly to press for 7th pay benefits.
All Goa Municipal Workers Union leader Govind Mandrekar said that the municipal workers had given sufficient time to the Mormugao municipality to implement the 7th pay to the employees. However, since the municipal authorities failed to implement the same, the workers went on a strike on Friday.
When contacted, Mormugao Municipal Chairperson Deepak Naik said, “After we held a meeting with the workers, they called off their strike in the afternoon. We have agreed and have also informed the Union that we would include other staff in the 7th Pay commission for which the council will have to adopt a resolution to promote the D grade staff to C grade and then implement the commission which the Union leaders have accepted.”
