Shimla, June 1
The Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) has threatened to intensify its agitation against the Shimla Municipal Corporation (SMC) and the Himachal Pradesh Government over the termination of 49 SEHAB Society sanitation workers and the arrest of three CITU leaders.
At a protest held outside the Municipal Corporation office at CTO, Shimla, CITU leaders accused the Congress-led municipal administration of reneging on assurances made during negotiations with sanitation workers.
The union alleged that despite talks aimed at ending the ongoing dispute, the corporation failed to restore the services of the terminated workers, triggering fresh confrontation between the two sides.
According to a press communiqe released by CITU, the organisation has announced a series of escalatory measures if the dismissal orders are not withdrawn. These include marches to the Raj Bhavan and State Secretariat, a “Jail Bharo” movement involving mass arrests, road blockades and “Chakka Jam” programmes, besides intensifying protests outside the offices of the Mayor and Municipal Commissioner.
The union has also reiterated its opposition to the reported 10 per cent salary deduction imposed on sanitation workers employed through the SEHAB Society. CITU leaders further demanded implementation of the 4-9-14 service benefits and protection of labour rights.
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Three CITU leaders arrested over disruption of Shimla Municipal Corporation meeting
The dispute took a political turn after Shimla Police arrested three CITU leaders in connection with alleged disruption of the Municipal Corporation’s General House meeting held on May 29. Police have maintained that the arrests were made on the basis of evidence, including CCTV footage and witness statements, while trade union leaders have described the action as an attempt to suppress a democratic protest.
The agitation comes at a time when Shimla is witnessing a heavy tourist influx during the summer season. Any prolonged disruption in sanitation services could adversely affect waste management and civic amenities in the state capital.
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