Leaders extend support to striking ‘108’ staff

Warangal: On the third day of the indefinite hunger strike launched by five 108 contract workers, several political leaders and trade union leaders visited them and expressed solidarity at their camp at Balasamudram in Hanamkonda on Sunday.

Coinciding with the strike by the 108 workers and paramedics entering 31st day on Sunday, Centre for Indian Trade Unions (CITU) state vice-president P Raja Rao called on the striking employees at the camp.

The employees were not paid their salaries regularly and were not eligible for the benefits for which the other government employees are eligible. Addressing on the occasion, he blasted the government for its failure to address the genuine grievances of the staff even after the strike lasting for over one month. Alleging that the government was supporting GVK but not the small employees of 108, he blamed that top officials are puppets in the hands of GVK.

Expressing solidarity, Warangal West MLA Dasyam Vinay Bhaskar said the 108 staff were people who save the people in the distress. He asked who should save them if they were in distress? He felt that there was no government functioning in the state.

The prime demands of the striking staff include 8 hours workload per day unlike present 12, 14 and 18 hours per day. Minimum salary should begin with Rs 15,000 per month. Basic facilities like, Provident Fund and ESI, irrespective of contract or regular, should be provided. Human rights activists Dr K Shobha Rani, B Raju and others addressed the striking staff. Centre for Indian Trade Uunion (CITU) leaders P Venkanna, D Rajender, 108 contract workers leaders N Komuraiah and others were present.