SHILLONG: The MeECL Progressive Worker’s Union (MPWU) and MeECL reached a landmark agreement after much negotiation to honor the rights and benefits of the corporation’s casual workers.
In a statement, TUR member, Angela Rangad said that the casual workers of MeECL under the banner of MeECL Progressive Worker’s Union (MPWU) expresses their appreciation to MeECL management who through a series of negotiations with the union have consented to uphold labour rights of the workers through a mutually agreed upon landmark agreement which lays down statutory benefits of the workers.
“These commitments are now in a written formal contract agreement, which was finally agreed upon by the union and the management on June 18 and approved by the General Council meeting of the union on August 11,” she added.
She said that the agreement ensures security of tenure of the workers through an annual automatic renewal clause and it ensures all workers get EPF with MeECL paying both the Employees and Employer’s contribution of 12.5% each.
“Every worker will be covered by ESI health benefit. Workers will also get double overtime,” she added.
She also said that every worker will get 15 days of casual leave and earned leave for every 15 days of work for those who have worked for a year which adds up to 24 days of en-cashable earned leave, adding paid maternity leave for 3 months.
Rangad also informed that MeECL has also offered an increment of 5, 10, & 15 percent over and above the minimum wage for those who have worked 5/10/15 years.
“So if the minimum wage is Rs. 220 per day, for those who have worked for 5 years, it will be Rs. 220+PF(55)+Increment(11)= Rs.286 per day,” she said while adding that as part of the ongoing negotiation, the issue of regularisation and equal pay for equal work is under discussion and the union will continue to follow up on these.
The union has urged all members not to be misled because this contract agreement does not have any adverse clauses against the workers.
