Staffstrikesablow tohealthservices
State govt employees refuse to talk to state; stir to continue today
MUMBAI : With a majority of the state government employees joining the three-day strike, revenue, health services, especially in rural areas, were badly affected on the first day of the stir on Tuesday. As there was no dialogue between the employees and the government, the strike is likely to continue on Wednesday.
The employees’ unions are on strike demanding immediate implementation of the seventh pay commission hike, reintroduction of the pension scheme, extension of retirement age to 60 years and implementation of fiveday working week.
On the first day of the strike, the state secretariat, Mantralaya, registered 70.64% attendance, while in rest of the state it dropped to 37.18%. The attendance of Grade C and D employees was poor at 37.28% in Mantralaya.
The state has allocated ₹4,800 crore, including ₹1,600 crore for payment of dearness allowance arrears and ₹3200 crore for interim payment of pay commission. The KP Bakshi committee appointed to study the pay structure is expected to submit its report in the next couple of months.
The government said despite their attempts, representatives of employees did not show up for talks. “There was satisfactory attendance in Mantralaya on Tuesday and it is expected to improve on Wednesday. The employees have already been
intimated about the possible action under MESMA, which has a standing provision of strictest action against employees of emergency services,” said Shivaji Daund, secretary, general department.
According to the health department figures, 21% Grade 3 and 24% Grade 4 staff in health services participated in the strike across the state.
Teachers’ unions said the effect of the strike will be visible in schools from Wednesday. “More teachers will join the strike from Wednesday,” said Subhash More, executive presiadministration
dent of Shikshak Bharti, a union representing teachers. “We have been fooled thrice in the past two years,” said Milind Sardeshmukh of State Government Employees’ Central Union.