SHILLONG, Dec 11: “Aap Pizza Khate Raho Lekin Mera Haq Mat Chino (You keep on eating your pizza but don’t deprive me of my rights),” read one of the placards displayed at the protest site at MeECL headquarters targeting Chief Minister Conrad Sangma, who had recently posted pictures of him eating pizza on social media.
This is but a synopsis of the protest organised by the employees of Meghalaya Energy Corporation Limited (MeECL), demanding that their salaries and arrears be released.
The MEECL employees have even threatened to go for a total shutdown on January 22.
“Denying salary to employees is a crime. Disbursement of salary must be done before the 10th of every month. Therefore, by denying the salaries of the employees for the last two months despite the fact that money was available, the management has committed a crime,” said one of the speakers, while addressing the gathering.
“Why is the management compelled to do so? Because they have chosen to sacrifice the interest of the employees, deny the right to basic needs and turn a blind eye despite understanding the fact that the employees are going through a difficult time.”
Another speaker said that as responsible citizens and employees of the organisation, they have the right to raise their voice.
Questioning the government for the delay, one of the speakers said, “Please answer as we are here agitating for our basic rights and not demanding for any luxuries”.
“Dear MDA Government, give us our daily bread. Your adamant attitude makes you look shameful as we (the employees) are forced to leave work and go out asking for our daily bread,” he added.
Another speaker pitched to adopt a resolution that hereon, the salaries should be provided before the 5th of every month, and that if there is no pay there shall be no work.
