‘No bonus for PMC contractual workers ’: RMS calls for indefinite hunger strike

These workers include security guards, healthcare providers, cleaners, drivers, water supply workers, and staff at cremation centres.

Gorakhnath Mohan Kamble, who oversees the operations at the crematorium, mentioned that he has been involved in the cremation of bodies for roughly 15 years. He asked what would transpire if he were to encounter a situation similar to that of the COVID-19 pandemic, and who would shoulder the responsibility for him and his family in such an event.

“Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, I maintained a relentless 24 hour work schedule, and during that period, the government and the public often lauded us as frontline workers. However, our rights have received little attention. We initiated our request for a bonus at that time, but unfortunately, our appeals seem to be falling on deaf ears,” said Kamble.

There are 28 crematorium locations under the corporation, and a total workforce of 125 individuals, all of whom are employed on a contractual basis.

Kamble said that this manpower is insufficient as the daily arrival of over 20 bodies, thereby intensifying their workload.

Vijay Pandav, a 40-year-old security guard (Suraksha Rakshak) who has dedicated 10 years to his job, is stationed at a godown in Yerwada and asked why a permanent security guard who works the same as him is being paid more.

He said, “The seventh pay commission has already boosted the salaries of the permanent workers, whereas we have not received any such assistance. All we are requesting is equal pay for equal work.”

Shinde, the RMS president, said that there are around 10,000 contract-based workers under the PMC who do not receive pay slips, bonuses, or time off.

He added that these workers are often uninformed about their provident funds and are removed from their jobs without any notice.

He said, “According to the Contract Labour (Regulation and Abolition) Act, 1970, section 21(4), the principal employer will be the responsible party to ensure the equitable wages on time for the contract based workers.”

Shailendra Pol, the Additional Labour Commissioner, assured to address the situation. He said that the labour officers and inspectors from his office, responsible for the matters, would investigate the issue and promptly ensure justice for the workers.