In Patan district of Gujarat, 180 postal employees participated in a one-day strike on Wednesday. This action followed a directive from the Central Working Committee. As a result, postal and courier services were halted throughout the region. The striking workers have raised several demands regarding their pay and working conditions.
One of the primary demands is the immediate formation of the 8th Pay Commission. Employees believe that this commission should take into account the recommendations from the staff side. Additionally, they are calling for the reinstatement of the old pension scheme. Many employees feel that the current pension system does not adequately support them after retirement.
Another significant concern is the payment of COVID-related allowances. During the pandemic, many employees faced increased living costs. They are now asking for the payment of three installments of relief that were promised during that time. Furthermore, the workers want the commutation period for pensions to be reduced from 15 years to 12 years. This change would allow them to access their pensions sooner.
The striking employees also want to address other issues. They are calling for the removal of the 5% limit on appointments through the direct recruitment process. Many positions remain unfilled, and the employees believe that hiring more staff will lead to better service and reduced workload.
The workers are also advocating for an end to outsourcing and contract practices within the postal department. They argue that casual, contract, and rural postal workers should be regularised. This move would provide them with stable jobs and benefits that full-time employees enjoy.
The employees have issued a warning. If their demands are not met, they will escalate their protests in the future. They believe that their strike is crucial for achieving fair working conditions and compensation.
The strike has drawn attention to the struggles faced by postal workers in India. Many people rely on postal services, especially in rural areas. The disruption of services has led to delays in mail delivery and other essential services.
As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how the government will respond to the demands of the postal workers. The employees hope that their voices will be heard, leading to positive changes in their working conditions and pay. The outcome of this strike could set a precedent for similar actions by workers in other sectors across the country.
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