The NMMC first termed the strike “illegal” and appealed to contract workers to refrain from stopping work.
Over 8,000 contractual workers employed with the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) went on a 12-hour strike on Monday, seeking equal pay for equal work, but called it off after assurances of a quick resolution to their demands. They had initially threatened an indefinite strike, with potential to seriously impact the city’s sanitation, particularly garbage collection, vector control measures and maintenance of public gardens.
The NMMC first termed the strike “illegal” and appealed to contract workers to refrain from stopping work. It asserted that it has already taken positive steps to address their demands. After meeting the protesting workers, the additional municipal commissioner assured that a positive decision will be made on February 12. However, workers said they will resume the strike if the salary demand is not met. The half-day strike was helmed by the Samaj Samata Kamgar Sangh (Navi Mumbai). It stemmed from a long-standing issue regarding disparities in wages and benefits between contractual workers and permanent employees. Union leader Mangesh Ladh said that the NMMC’s directive agreeing to do so hasn’t been implemented even after years of legal battles, committee reports, and government assurances.
Workers have alleged that the municipal administration spends crores on other projects but their demands for rightful wages are being ignored. They argued that while permanent employees hired in 2024 are receiving significantly higher salaries, many contractual workers who have served for over 29 years are still underpaid. An NMMC officer said that direct discussions were held with union representatives on December 27 last year and January 16 this year. A high-level meeting was held on January 3, chaired by NMMC chief Dr Kailas Shinde, leading to the formation of a special committee under a retired Additional Chief Secretary to review the matter. The committee has been tasked with submitting a report within two months, with its first meeting scheduled for February 12.
DEMANDS Salaries on par with those of fourth-class permanent employees, as per NMMC directives issued in 2007 Receiving benefits such as gratuity and provident fund They have demanded earned and medical leave Want to work in uniforms given currently to permanent staff NMMC’s contention Civic body approach the state government in 2022 and 2023 In September 2024, the government directed it to assess its financial capabilities Government said it won’t provide additional funding A committee appointed under the additional commissioner to study the legal provisions and court rulings. The panel’s report highlighted an additional Rs20.43 crore annual burden.
