SHILLONG/TURA: Regular casual workers of the Meghalaya Energy Corporation Limited (MeECL) under the banner of the MeECL Progressive Workers’ Union (MPWU) have decided to oppose the move by authorities to make them sign an alleged illegal contract which contains clauses that barred them from seeking permanent jobs with the corporation, deny EL, PF, gratuity and health incentives besides others.
There are over 1,400 casual workers of MeECL.
The representatives of the Union who addressed the media both in Shillong and Tura highlighted the hardships they are facing and said that they are forced to sign the contract which is aimed at suppressing their genuine rights.
According to the union, there was no consultation by authorities with the workers and no opportunity was given to them to understand the contents of the contract.
Terming the contract as ‘outrightly illegal’ the workers have decided to oppose the contract.
Earlier, the union had written to the management asking for a meeting to openly discuss the contract, giving time till October 10. Separate memorandums on the issue were also submitted to the Power Minister, Labour Commissioner and the Chairman cum Managing Director of MeECL.
With the deadline ending on Tuesday without any response from authorities, the workers have announced a protest from Wednesday onwards which will begin with the donning of black badges all across the state in all districts and divisions.
The union informed that other forms of agitation will be undertaken which would be announced at a later date.
