Annadanam staff demand continuation of services

Tirupati: An element of uncertainty is hanging over the continuation of 800 workers working in TTD Annadanam complex, Tirumala, with the period of their work contract of their contractor coming to an end this month (June).

They are working under NGO Sulabh International which entered into an agreement with the TTD to enable the workers to work in Mathrusri Tarigonda Vengamamba Nithya Annaprasadam Complex at Tirumala to take up various works like cleaning, sanitation etc. in the complex where the TTD is providing free food to more than one lakh pilgrims daily.

The workers under the banner of TTD Contract Employees Union (TTDCEU) staged a dharna at Alipiri here on Monday demanding that the TTD should continue their services irrespective of the contractor’s contract period.

Addressing the gathering, TTDCEU general secretary T Subramanyam said that the TTD should continue the services of the 800 workers as they rendered services to the TTD for the last 20 years under Sulabh International.

He also demanded that the TTD should enhance the salary of the workers who are now paid Rs 8,000 every month and also extend PF and ESI facilities to them. Subramanyam opposed giving contract again to Sulabh International and wanted the TTD management to blacklist it as it is harassing the workers to work for more hours than the regular duty hours and also failed to provide facilities like weekly off, PF and ESI to them.

CITU Chittoor distinct general secretary K Murali who took part along with senior trade union leaders in the protest said a delegation of union leaders will meet TTD chairman Putta Sudhakar Yadav to submit a representation demanding hike in wages, providing facilities like Brahmotsva Bahumanam and medical facilities on par with TTD regular employees to all the 13,000 contract employees working in TTD.

Meanwhile, RPI State president P Anjaiah also opposed Sulabh International and urged the TTD to blacklist it as it has been exploiting the workers and also keeping in view the complaints against the Agency.