The casual workers of PWD, Ri Bhoi have demanded implementation of the Meghalaya Regular Casual Workers Scheme, 1996 for the benefits of casual workers in the state.
The workers under the banner of Ri Bhoi Progressive PWD Workers’ Union (RBPPWU) had submitted a charter of demands to Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong, PWD (B) minister, Dasakhiat Lamare and secretary of the P.W.D (Roads and Buildings) T.G. Nengnong.
The list of demands put forth by the union through its president, Napoleon Mawphniang includes fulfilment of all statutory obligations and legal entitlements like Providential Fund (PF), Overtime Allowance, Gratuity, Accident compensation, Maternity Benefits, Travelling Allowance and Dearness Allowance.
The union also sought re-categorization of workers as per year of experience, regularisation of workers who have been doing essential work, implementation of the Supreme Court order of ‘Equal Pay for Equal Work’.
Mandatory social security mechanisms such as Creche, Day Care Centre facilities and constitution and notification of an Internal Complaints Committee as stipulated by the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 are also included in the charter of demands.
The union further demanded to provide basic utilities such as masks, gloves, sanitizers, aprons and cleaning safety kits, raincoats, rubber boots and all safety kits/tools to all workers twice a year as well as mandatory medical check-up to all the casual workers twice a year.
Urging the government consider the demands within 30 days, the union said they would resort to democratic demonstration if it fails to address them.
