Contract Workers Rally for Job Security and Regularization Policies

A sizable portion of the workforce, comprised mostly of contract workers, assembled at Governor House to support regularization and job security measures, which are important to families and kids.

Following the Chandigarh Police’s intervention during the rally, the SDM accepted and forwarded the contract employees’ detailed demand letter. The possible layoff of hundreds of contract workers has sparked worries about how it could affect the next Lok Sabha elections. It has been requested that this matter be resolved as soon as possible in accordance with the election code of conduct.

Contract workers in authorized positions have long advocated for the creation of a special cadre that would guarantee employment stability through retirement. In response to the collective demand, guarantees have been given by the Chandigarh government.

Contract workers, along with their spouses and kids, marched to Governor House under the banner of the All Contractual Employees Union and with the backing of the Joint Employees Front.

Numerous contract workers from the Municipal Corporation of Chandigarh sent comprehensive demand letters to the administration, pleading for the establishment of a specialized cadre to provide job security.

For almost twenty years, Chandigarh’s contract workers have been working in outsourcing and contract positions; yet, the administration has not provided them with a well-thought-out program for job security. The future of these contract workers is uncertain due to unfulfilled political pledges and the lack of tangible policies similar to those in other states.

The Chandigarh administration’s Personnel Department has started the process of regular appointments by looking for openings from departments that are part of the government and those that are not, including contract and outsourcing roles. As per central guidelines, continuous arrangements for periodic appointments have been directed toward roles unfilled for more than five years. Issues with relief, wage withholding, and lack of extensions have arisen among employees in some Chandigarh administration departments due to the growing number of contract positions in those departments. Under Chairman Bipin Sher Singh, the All Contractual Employees Union of Bharat UT Chandigarh is pressing the government to create a distinct cadre for job security or regularization policies until retirement in view of these difficulties.

The Joint Employees Front has shown support for this cause; leaders who took part in the march were Gopal Datt Joshi, Rajinder Kumar, Ranbir Rana, Dharmendra Rahi, Harkesh Chand, Raghubir Chand, Rajinder Katoch, Ranjit Mishra, Sajjan Singh, and Rajkumar.

In the event that the matter is not resolved, Gopal Dutt Joshi and Joint Federation Convenor Ranbir Rana threatened to go on strike in the next few days.

The Chandigarh administration should prioritize making regular appointments for all vacant positions, according to chairman Bipin Sher Singh.

The All Contractual Employees Union Bharat UT Chandigarh’s Ashok Kumar announced the start of a concerted effort by leading a march to Governor House with families. This group effort is expected to have an effect on the outcome of the next Lok Sabha elections.