Trichy Physiotherapists Stage Protest Demanding Regularization and Enhanced Benefits
In a significant demonstration of discontent, members of the Physiotherapists association organized a protest near the district collectorate in Trichy on Monday. The primary aim of the protest was to press for the regularization of services and secure improved employment benefits for healthcare professionals working on a contractual basis.
Contractual Staff Voice Long-Standing Grievances
The protesters highlighted that approximately 350 physiotherapists, along with 10 occupational and speech therapists, have been engaged on a contractual basis for several years. This prolonged period of temporary employment has led to widespread frustration and calls for immediate action to address their demands.
Key Demands Presented by the Association
The association put forth a comprehensive list of demands aimed at ensuring fair treatment and job security for its members. The key demands include:
- Regularization of services from the date of joining, providing permanent employment status.
- Implementation of time-scale pay and annual increments to ensure equitable compensation.
- Enhanced job security measures to protect against arbitrary termination.
- Provision of benefits such as EPF (Employees' Provident Fund) and ESI (Employees' State Insurance).
- Payment of consolidated salaries on par with permanent staff until regularization is achieved.
- Establishment of transfer counselling to facilitate movement to vacant posts.
- Expedited filling of vacancies to reduce workload and improve service delivery.
- Restriction on deputation to other blocks to maintain stability in staffing.
Additional Support Demands for Staff Welfare
Beyond immediate employment concerns, the association also advocated for broader welfare measures. These include:
- Compensation and government jobs for the families of staff members who have died during service.
- Provision of paid medical and maternity leave until permanency is granted, ensuring support during critical life events.
The protest underscores the ongoing challenges faced by contractual healthcare workers in Trichy, emphasizing the need for systemic reforms to ensure fair treatment and job security in the public health sector.
