NONGPOH: The casual workers of the Health department in Ri Bhoi have decided to go on strike starting August 1 if the state government does not release their salaries which have been pending for eight months.
The casual workers, under the banner of the Ri Bhoi Progressive Workers Union (RBPHU), said that they have been neglected by the government despite being one of the frontliners in the fight against COVID-19.
Union president, Shanrupa Thangkhiew, speaking on behalf of the workers, said that it will be difficult for them to survive amid the pandemic if they are deprived of their salaries, even after putting in their best efforts. Two of the union members have also been tested positive for COVID-19, RBPHU president Thangkhiew added.
The union has exhorted the state government to look into their grievances, failing which, they will have no other option but to go on strike or even find other alternatives to earn a livelihood.