Panaji: Around 2,700 public works department (PWD) labour supply society workers are gearing up to launch an agitation as govt has failed to regularise their jobs despite multiple assurances. The workers have demanded that govt must take a clear step in the coming three-day session of the state assembly.The workers, backed by the Indian National Trade Union Congress (INTUC), said they are ready to intensify their agitation if their demand is ignored or delayed.“For the entire June we waited but there was no reply to our memorandum. July has ended and we have decided enough is enough. Govt is discriminating against our youth who are working without any relief. In another two or three months, the code of conduct will come in and these employees will have to wait for another five years,” said INTUC state president Ajay Prabhugaonkar.Over a week ago, chief minister Pramod Sawant had said govt decided to regularise all contract workers across departments. Prabhugaonkar said the union had waited for over three months after submitting a memorandum in April to PWD minister Digambar Kamat and the principal chief engineer, but had received no concrete response from govt.The PWD contract workers include women from Canacona to Pernem.“I have worked for 12 years but we get no facilities, we don’t get leave, we don’t get any bonus, we don’t get pension, we don’t get medical cover. It looks like we have no value,” said a female staffer.“Tomorrow, when these workers need to pay fees for their children’s admissions or for medical emergencies, are they expected to go and beg before ministers or MLAs? Is this why govt has kept these workers in this situation?” said Prabhugaonkar.
