Himachal Pradesh News
Shimla Garbage Collectors Go on Indefinite Strike Over Salary Increment Cut, Civic Services Hit
Shimla witnessed major protests on Friday after sanitation workers associated with the Shimla Environment, Heritage Conservation and Beautification (SEHB) Society launched an indefinite strike against the Municipal Corporation’s decision to discontinue their annual 10 per cent salary increment.
Shimla witnessed major protests on Friday after sanitation workers associated with the Shimla Environment, Heritage Conservation and Beautification (SEHB) Society launched an indefinite strike against the Municipal Corporation’s decision to discontinue their annual 10 per cent salary increment.
Despite the imposition of the Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA) by the Shimla Deputy Commissioner, hundreds of SEHB workers, including garbage collectors, road sweepers, supervisors and drivers, joined the protest and suspended work across several parts of the city.
The protesting employees gathered outside the Deputy Commissioner’s office in Shimla and raised slogans against the Municipal Corporation, accusing it of ignoring the concerns of workers who handle the city’s sanitation system every day.
Workers Say New DA System Will Reduce Monthly Income
Leaders of the workers’ union claimed that the Municipal Corporation has replaced the 10 per cent yearly increment with a 3 per cent dearness allowance (DA), which could financially impact workers in the long run.
According to union representatives, the new arrangement may reduce the monthly earnings of sanitation workers by nearly Rs 700 to Rs 1,000 compared to the previous increment structure.
Addressing the protesters, CITU state president Vijender Mehra and district secretary Balak Ram criticised the civic body’s decision and termed it “anti-worker” and “dictatorial.” They urged employees to strengthen the agitation until their demands are fulfilled.
“Workload Increased Four Times,” Say Protesters
The protesting workers also alleged that their workload has increased drastically over the past few years while their salaries have not improved proportionately.
Union leaders claimed that earlier a sanitation worker handled around 80 households, but now the number has increased to nearly 300 households per worker. They argued that instead of rewarding workers for the additional burden, the Municipal Corporation decided to remove the annual increment system.
The workers further accused the civic administration of increasing garbage, water and property taxes every year while failing to spend adequately on sanitation employees who perform physically demanding duties.
Civic Services Likely to Be Affected in Shimla
The indefinite strike by garbage collectors and sweepers is expected to affect door-to-door waste collection and road cleaning services in several areas of Shimla if the deadlock continues.
Union members warned that the protest could intensify in the coming days if the Municipal Corporation does not reconsider its decision regarding the annual increment policy.
