Meena, a leader from CITU, criticized the inadequate salaries, highlighting that after deductions, most workers take home only Rs 10,000, which is insufficient to meet basic needs amid rising inflation

DEMANDS

■ A minimum wage of Rs 26,000 for all GHMC employees

■ Increase in supervisors’ salaries to Rs 35,000, along with petrol allowances

■ Insurance scheme worth Rs 25 lakhs for those who die in accidents and Rs 30,000 for funeral expenses

Metro India News | Hyderabad 

The Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) organized a large-scale protest in front of the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) head office on Wednesday. Hundreds of workers gathered, waving red flags, to highlight their long-pending demands and seek immediate government action.

The workers are demanding a minimum wage of Rs 26,000 for all GHMC employees, along with the implementation of the 2nd Pay Revision Commission (PRC) as announced by the state government. They also emphasized the need for regularizing contract and outsourcing staff to provide them with permanent job security.

Concerns over irregularities in the biometric attendance system were raised, with workers urging the authorities to resolve the issues and prevent harassment by officials. The protesters called for the cancellation of privatization agreements with companies like Ramky that manage sanitation services. Additionally, they demanded an increase in supervisors’ salaries to Rs 35,000, along with petrol allowances.

The workers insisted on improved safety and welfare measures, including an insurance scheme worth Rs 25 lakhs for those who die in accidents and Rs 30,000 for funeral expenses. They also sought employment opportunities for family members of workers who have died, aged, or taken long absences within the last three years in GHMC jurisdiction.

Protesters demanded the provision of essential equipment like raincoats, gloves, soaps, uniforms, and other tools necessary for their work. They also called for transportation facilities and restrooms for workers, particularly those working night shifts. Furthermore, they requested that Swachh Auto workers be retained as municipal employees.

Housing was another major concern, with workers demanding the allocation of double-bedroom houses and Indiramma houses, as promised by the Chief Minister. They also stressed the importance of weekly holidays on Sundays and during festivals.

Finally, the workers urged the government to recruit additional staff to keep up with the growing demands of urban expansion and to ensure better working conditions for all employees.

Addressing the crowd, former secretary Vittal stated, "This protest is only the beginning. Larger demonstrations will follow if our demands are not met."

Meena, a leader from CITU, criticized the inadequate salaries, highlighting that after deductions, most workers take home only Rs 10,000, which is insufficient to meet basic needs amid rising inflation. She further said, "Even the employees of GHMC are humans. GHMC deducts money if we miss work for even a single day, and we are forced to work on Sundays and festivals. Despite all this, we are not treated with respect, neither by the community nor by the authorities."