Himachal Pradesh News
SEHB Workers Storm Shimla MC House, Demand Reinstatement of 41 Terminated Employees
Tensions escalated at the Shimla Municipal Corporation (MC) on Friday after workers of the Shimla Environment, Heritage Conservation and Beautification (SEHB) Society entered the Municipal Corporation House during its monthly meeting, demanding the reinstatement of 41 terminated employees.
Tensions escalated at the Shimla Municipal Corporation (MC) on Friday after workers of the Shimla Environment, Heritage Conservation and Beautification (SEHB) Society entered the Municipal Corporation House during its monthly meeting, demanding the reinstatement of 41 terminated employees.
The protesting workers, affiliated with the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU), raised slogans inside the House and pressed municipal authorities to honor what they claimed was an earlier assurance regarding the restoration of their colleagues’ jobs. The situation became tense enough for police personnel to be called in to maintain order and prevent further disruption.
Speaking on the issue, CITU State President Vijender Mehra alleged that the Municipal Corporation had previously agreed to revoke the termination of 41 workers but had failed to follow through on the commitment.
“The Municipal Corporation had assured us that the services of the terminated workers would be restored. However, that promise has not been fulfilled. We are only demanding that the corporation honor its commitment,” Mehra said.
Background of the Dispute
The ongoing conflict stems from a major protest launched by SEHB workers on May 15. Hundreds of sanitation workers went on an indefinite strike after the Municipal Corporation decided to discontinue the annual salary increment provided to employees.
The strike severely impacted cleanliness services across Shimla, particularly door-to-door garbage collection operations. Residents in several parts of the city faced inconvenience as waste collection services were disrupted for days.
To manage the situation, the Municipal Corporation reportedly stepped in and arranged alternative garbage collection mechanisms to ensure basic sanitation services continued across the city.
Termination of Workers
During the strike period, the Municipal Corporation invoked the Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA) and directed workers to return to duty. However, several employees allegedly remained absent from work, following which the services of 41 workers were terminated.
The decision triggered widespread opposition from labor unions and workers, who have since been demanding the withdrawal of the termination orders.
Mehra reiterated that the agitation would continue until all 41 workers are reinstated.
“Our protest will continue until justice is done and the services of all terminated workers are restored,” he said.
Mayor Criticizes Protest Method
Shimla Mayor Surender Chauhan criticized the manner in which the protest was carried out, stating that public representatives and workers should follow established channels to raise grievances.
“There is a proper democratic process for addressing issues. Creating a disturbance inside the House is not the right way to seek a resolution,” the Mayor said.
The latest protest highlights the growing standoff between the Municipal Corporation and SEHB workers, with both sides holding firm on their positions. As the dispute continues, residents remain concerned about the possible impact on essential civic services in the city.
The Municipal Corporation has not yet announced any final decision regarding the reinstatement of the terminated workers.
