UT Employees Federation announces strike over salary cuts

The Federation of UT Employees and Workers, Chandigarh, chaired by Raghbir Chand, has decided to go on strike in the UT and MC departments. This decision comes following demands to reduce the salaries of crèche workers by half through the merger of crèches with Anganwadi, non-payment of salaries, and the absorption of child servants and assistants into government and semi-government departments, similar to other employees.

In the executive meeting, concerns were raised about the Chandigarh Administration merging crèches, operational since 1962 under the Indian Child Welfare Council, into Anganwadis. The full-time UT employees received pay scales and DC rates, but the workers’ salaries were cut by more than half.

The honorarium was equated with Anganwadi workers without their consent. The Federation expressed dissatisfaction over arbitrary salary reductions, the installation of Anganwadi boards in crèches, and the transfer of the Council’s valuable assets to the Social Welfare Department.

The Federation also criticized the reduction of salaries for crèche workers in January, non-compliance with employee demands, and the misinformation presented to the Administrator by concerned officers. Despite numerous memorandums to the Administrator, newly appointed advisor, Home Secretary, and Secretary Social Welfare Department, the issues persist. Consequently, the Federation is prepared to intensify its fight on this matter.
Additionally, the Federation demanded job security for contract workers and called for an end to their retrenchment, announcing participation in a demonstration on February 29th.