The EditorMassive Protest by Municipal Workers in Cheeka
Municipal employees in Cheeka, under the banner of the Municipal Workers’ Union, organized a major protest outside the municipal office today. The demonstration was part of a wider state-level call to action issued by the Sarv Karamchari Sangh Haryana, with workers from both the municipal body and fire department taking part.
The protest was led by Block President Prithviram, who addressed the gathered employees with powerful words of unity and determination. Also present was Pawan Sharma, President of the Cheeka Block Committee, who came in support of the workers and their demands.
Growing Discontent Among Workers
During the meeting, the speakers expressed deep frustration with the Haryana government. According to union leaders, the government has been exploiting employees in municipal councils, fire services, and local bodies for years.
Prithviram accused the government of applying burdensome schemes to workers. He cited the example of the newly introduced MS App, which is now required for attendance logging by sanitation workers. This app, they said, is invasive, unreliable, and disrespectful to the nature of their work.
The union has officially opposed the app and has demanded its immediate rollback. Through a memorandum submitted today, they also called on the government to issue the circular that was promised on August 7, 2024, detailing the approval of earlier demands.
A Warning to the State Government
Prithviram made it clear that if the government continues to ignore just demands, the organization will not hesitate to launch a massive statewide agitation.
He declared that if this protest does not bring results, a larger movement would follow, and the entire responsibility for the consequences would lie with the state government.
Key Demands Raised by the Union
Pawan Sharma reinforced the union’s stance by listing their main demands. He urged the government to take immediate action on the following issues:
1. Regularization of Contract Workers
Most municipal workers have been working on a contract basis for years, without job security. The union wants them to be made permanent.
2. Equal Pay for Equal Work
Despite doing the same tasks, contract workers earn significantly less than their permanent counterparts. The demand is simple: pay should be based on the work done, not on the worker’s status.
3. Restoration of the Old Pension Scheme
The employees want the government to reinstate the old pension plan, which provided better retirement security than the current alternatives.
4. Reappointment of Removed HKRNL Workers
Many workers recruited through HKRNL (Haryana Kaushal Rozgar Nigam Limited) were removed without valid reasons. The union wants them reinstated without delay.
5. Minimum Wage of ₹27,000
They are demanding a new basic salary structure, with the minimum monthly wage set at ₹27,000 for all municipal and contractual employees.
Worker Voices on the Ground
The protest wasn’t just about leaders and speeches. The workers themselves voiced their concerns openly.
- Talvinder, a sanitation worker, said, “We are doing the dirtiest and most essential jobs. Yet, we are the last to get paid and the first to be blamed.”
- Rani, a fire department worker, shared, “We risk our lives daily, but our salaries don’t reflect that risk.”
- Others like Ramniwas, Sukhvinder, Sagar, Gurmit, Kusum, and Pallo stood in solidarity, echoing similar sentiments.
Why This Protest Matters
This protest highlights the growing divide between the government’s policies and the reality faced by frontline workers.
It also shows that public sentiment is shifting. More and more citizens are beginning to stand with these workers, recognizing their contribution to society. From sanitation to emergency services, these workers keep cities running, and yet, they continue to fight for basic rights.
The Larger Picture in Haryana
This protest in Cheeka is not an isolated event. Across Haryana, municipal workers have been raising similar demands.
From cities like Karnal and Hisar to towns like Cheeka, the chorus is growing louder. And unless the government acts soon, this local unrest could snowball into a state-wide labor crisis.
Government’s Silence and the Road Ahead
As of now, the state government has not made any formal statement in response to today’s protest. This silence is concerning, and it has further agitated the workers.
The Municipal Workers’ Union has made it clear that this was only the beginning. They have already started planning statewide protests and marches, and they won’t back down until their voices are heard.
Final Thoughts: A Cry for Dignity
At the heart of this protest is a demand for dignity. These workers are not asking for luxuries—they want job security, fair pay, and respect.
They want the government to recognize their role, not just with words, but through actions. And if these demands continue to be ignored, the streets of Haryana may see even larger movements in the near future.
