Protest by Saheb society workers union demands regularization and fair wages

Hundreds of Saheb and outsourced workers held a significant protest outside the DC office in Shimla, organized by the Sahib Society Workers Union, affiliated with CITU. Key leaders such as CITU State President Vijendra Mehra, Treasurer Balak Ram, and Union President Jaswant Singh addressed the demonstration. They warned of an indefinite strike if attempts to privatize or outsource the Saheb Society continue. The protestors condemned the Municipal Corporation’s move to allocate Rs 2.5 crore for QR code scanning instead of hiring 150 additional workers, which could enhance cleanliness and reduce the workload.

The workers demanded that Saheb employees be declared regular employees and receive a salary of Rs 26,000, aligning with the 15th Indian Labor Conference, Supreme Court orders, and Seventh Pay Commission recommendations. They also called for timely wage payments, 39 legal holidays, and the inclusion of outsourced workers under the Saheb Society. Additional demands included a promotion policy, EPF dues deposit, and stopping the allocation of extra work without compensation. The protest highlighted severe economic and mental exploitation faced by the workers and demanded immediate action to address their grievances and improve their working conditions.