MARGAO: The employees of Margao Municipal Council went on strike on Thursday without giving an ultimatum as per the law for non-payment of Diwali bonus and allowances for uniform.
However, they withdrew the strike after intervention of Margao MLA Digambar Kamat. The Chief Officer has assured to release the bonus by next week.
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On the other hand, the sudden strike of employees badly affected the entire town of Margao and Fatorda, as the garbage was left unattended and waste lying all over. Even the waste in front of the municipal building was seen on the ground in huge quantities till the strike was withdrawn.
At the same time, several residents were witnessed cursing the employees of MMC, as they were forced to return back home due to the strike.
It is pertinent to note that on Wednesday a delegation led by union leader Anil Shirodkar along with frustrated employees had met the Chairperson and Chief Officer demanding release of bonus and uniform allowance immediately.
However, Chief Officer Agnelo Fernandes had refused to do so citing that the civic body is short of funds, even to release the monthly salary.
On Thursday morning, all the employees refused to join the work and held a protest in front of the municipal building. Daily wage workers, including sweepers who are not eligible for the bonus join the strike. And hence, the routine work of lifting the garbage and cleaning left it unattended.
Employees also held meetings in the municipal garden and condemned the Chief Officer’s stand. They also alleged that the Chief Officer has insulted them on the issue. Later, Chairperson Lyndon Pereira rushed at the site and tried to make the employees understand about the financial crisis of the civic body.
Hearing the news, the Margao MLA called a meeting in his office at Mallbhatt and discussed the issue, and after a lengthy deliberation the CO agreed to release the bonus by next week but he also made it clear that salary for the month of November will be delayed.
Speaking to the media persons, Kamat said that he had dialogue with the CO, chairperson and also with union leaders in order to resolve the issue.
“The reason behind the strike was not paying the bonus and uniform allowances. I had told the union leaders about the financial problems of the civic body, but at the same time being a weaker section of society suggested releasing the bonus,” he stated.
He further said that the CO has agreed to pay the bonus by next week and uniform allowance later.
When asked, Digambar said that the abolition of octroi has badly affected the financial side of the municipality.
“We had already discussed this issue and the government is working out a solution towards the same,” he informed.
The Chief Officer said that the civic body will try to release the bonus by next week.
“But one thing I have made clear to the union leaders is that their next salary will be delayed, as the civic body has to accommodate with the funds to pay the bonus,” he stated.
He also expressed anger with regard to going on strike without giving ultimate as per the law.
“Show cause notices will be issued to the employees in this regard,” he informed.
