SMC contract labourers to intensify agitation

SMC contract labourers to intensify agitation
HERALD CORRESPONDENT
BICHOLIM, JUNE 20
Sanquelim Municipal Council’s (SMC) contract labourers on Sunday resolved to intensify the agitation and formed a committee to put forward their demand of regularization.
It may be recalled that about 34 contract workers of SMC had resorted to a day’s strike on June 8 in protest against government’s apathy to consider their demands. They resorted to the strike after Chief Minister Digambar Kamat failed to act upon the assurance given to the workers.
Following the agitation, the chief minister once again promised that he would regularize the workers within 15 days. Since even after 15 days, nothing fruitful came out, the workers on Sunday convened a meeting and formed a committee to intensify their agitation.
According to sources, about 12 workers who were appointed in 1996 and later are yet to be regularised.
“After Sanquelim panchayat was converted into municipality, about three clerks and a market inspector was regularized, while another 12 workers were just given assurance,” SMC driver Manohar Kamat told Herald.
The workers’ meeting was held in Samaj Mandir hall, Sanquelim. Indian National Trade Union Congress (INTUC) President V V P Nair, General Secretary Adv G S Kubal and Women Representative of Gomantak Municipal Workers Union Minal Vaigankar were present for the meeting.
In his speech, Nair informed the workers about various benefits that the municipal workers should get as per the amendments. He also expressed full support in the workers’ struggle.
INTUC General Secretary Adv Kubal said in any municipal council, the workers are most important. “The workers are entitled for the benefit of medical, children education, safety and wages. What is most important in this struggle is the unity,” he said.
Later, a committee was formed with Shivanand Hosmani as its president. Other members elected are Manohar Kamat (general secretary), Jyoti Kanekar (treasurer), Ashok Unchamani and others.
It was also decided to forward a memorandum to the Labour Commission, chief minister and others. The workers also expressed their opinion on the occasion.