BMC unions postpone strike to Dec 14

The municipal unions have decided to postpone their proposed strike which was to begin from Sunday night to December 14.

The municipal unions have decided to postpone their proposed strike which was to begin from Sunday night to December 14. But not before forcing the civic administration to agree to almost all their demands related to implementation of the Sixth Pay Commission.

HT Image

The leaders of the Municipal Mazdoor Union (MMU) and the Municipal Karmachari Kamgar Sena (MKKS) held discussions with the civic administration on Saturday on the Sixth Pay Commission.

“Of the 31 issues, 27 have been resolved amicably. The five pending issues will be further discussed in ensuing 10 days,” said MMU leader Sharad Rao. “In the dispute that remains between the union and the administration, the matter will be referred to mayor and the civic group leaders for final decision.”

To show their strength, the employee unions also held a rally of civic workers at Azad Maidan on Saturday. According to sources, issues such as 100% increase in allowances, retirement age and education allowance, will be further discussed with the civic officials by December 10.

The BMC had made a draft of the Sixth Pay Commission recommendations proposing a 18% hike in salary and slew of other benefits.

However, not satisfied with the allocations, the unions had threatened to go on strike from November 21.

In Saturday’s negotiations, demands like the three time-bound promotions similar to the Central government, pay band-1 for class D employees on the basis of unskilled, skilled, highly skilled and master craftsman category and pay band-2 for supervisory category were agreed.

It was also decided to appoint a committee under Dr Sanjay Oak, director of Medical Education and major hospitals, to decide wages, service conditions and working conditions for community health workers.

A joint committee will also decide the methodology of making contract labourers permanent by stages.

Both the committees will submit their reports before March 31, 2011, and to be implemented from May 1, 2011, said the union leaders.