Shimla: Thousands of mid-day meal workers staged a protest here on Monday under the banner of the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU)-affiliated Mid-Day Meal Workers Union.The protesters claimed that around 21,000 mid-day meal workers received Rs 5,000 each per month, with no increase in their remuneration for the last 17 years. They demanded Rs 7,000 monthly wages, EPF, ESI, pension, gratuity, 20 leaves, and regular payments.The workers marched from Talland to the state secretariat, raising slogans against both state and central govts over low wages, job insecurity and privatisation policies.Union leaders alleged that school mergers, cluster schemes and central kitchens were threatening thousands of jobs. They also demanded implementation of the Himachal Pradesh high court order for 12 months’ salary instead of 10 months, and opposed contractualisation and the minimum of 25 students condition set by the govt.The protesters also submitted a memorandum to the state govt. They were assured of a meeting with the education minister.The union members warned of state-wide agitation if their demands are not met.MSID:: 131911456 413 |
