Electricity contract workers in Uttarakhand ready to go on strike, warning of boycott of work on Diwali

The contract workers of the three energy corporations, who are raising their voice for various demands including regularization and equal pay for equal work, are considering a do-or-die battle. No action has been taken even after two weeks of assurance in the tripartite meeting chaired by the Energy Secretary. Angered by this, the personnel have warned of a strike on Diwali. On Monday, an emergency meeting of the convener board and key members of the executive of the Electricity Contract Ekta Manch was held through virtual medium. In which anger was expressed over the lack of action till now despite the consensus reached in the tripartite talks held on October 1 under the chairmanship of the Energy Secretary.

The agitation was postponed on the condition of positive order
The Energy Secretary and the corporation managements had assured the delegation of Ekta Manch that positive orders would be issued in favor of the contract employees within three to four days. Ekta Manch had postponed its agitation on this condition. On October 9, Vidyut Samvidha Ekta Manch had requested the Energy Secretary and the three corporation managements to issue positive orders on their demands soon. Forum convener Vinod Kavi said that contract employees have been working with full dedication in the three corporations through UPNL for the last 15 to 20 years. However, the management remains indifferent to resolving their problems. In the meeting, the entire executive of Vidyut Samvidha Ekta Manch has decided to fight till the end. If positive action is not taken on their demands soon, then Vidyut Samvidha Ekta Manch will be forced to boycott the entire work or go on strike before Diwali.

Power Junior Engineers protested by tying black ribbons

Uttarakhand Power Junior Engineers Association has become vocal again with 13 point demands. UPJEA has started the second phase of the movement due to lack of action despite assurances. UPJEA members registered their protest by tying black bands as per the program decided across the state. Central President Anand Rawat said that the association is constantly communicating with the Energy Corporation management and requesting positive action on the legitimate demands of the cadre. Earlier, positive action was assured on other legitimate demands including promotion on vacant posts of Executive Engineer. The association is struggling for 13 point demands including old pension, GPF, promotion quota and electricity tariff. Taking the movement forward, in the next phase, the movement will be started again on behalf of the members and memorandums will be sent through public representatives till 15 November.