Around 45,000 outsourced employees working across six power companies in Madhya Pradesh have warned of a two-day work stoppage on 7 and 8 November over their pending demands.
The employees include line helpers, plant assistants, substation operators, computer operators, meter readers, security personnel, drivers and other support staff.
The issue was discussed at a meeting held at the Madhya Pradesh Madhya Kshetra Vidyut Vitaran Company’s Nishtha Parisar in Govindpura, Bhopal. Company officials and representatives of outsourced employees’ organisations attended the meeting to discuss their 34 demands.
One of the key concerns raised was the alleged non-payment of additional wages for working on Diwali and other national holidays. Employee representatives claimed that around 90% of outsourced workers had not received the additional payment required under labour provisions, despite working during festivals and holidays for nearly 20 years.
The employees are demanding an end to the contract-based hiring system, with salaries paid directly by power companies or government departments. They have also sought regularisation against vacant posts, minimum wages on a par with central government outsourced employees and restoration of posts reportedly removed from the companies’ organisational structure.
Other demands include risk allowances, night-shift allowances, medical leave, uniform bonus payments, gratuity after five years of service and additional benefits for experienced workers.
The employees have also demanded an increase in compensation for workers who die in electrical accidents from Rs 4 lakh to Rs 10 lakh, along with insurance cover of Rs 20 lakh for technical staff.
The meeting took place amid the employees’ warning of a two-day work stoppage during the Diwali festival. Their demands remain under discussion.
