The indefinite hunger strike launched by contract workers at the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) in Chandigarh has entered its critical fourth day, with union leaders raising serious health concerns and escalating their protest for long-pending dues.
Health Concerns Amidst Protest
Union leaders have made a stark allegation that no medical team was sent to examine the fasting protesters for the first three days of their strike. The hunger strike was initiated by JAC senior vice-chairman Sanjeev Kumar and Contract Security Guards Union president Harish Kumar on December 17. Following complaints to the administration, the protesters were finally medically examined by health workers from Government Multi-Specialty Hospital, Sector 16 (GMSH-16) at around 4 pm on Saturday, December 21.
Core Demands and Escalation Plan
The protest is not a sudden development. The Joint Action Committee (JAC) of the PGI Contract Workers Union states that workers have been demonstrating since November 14 to press for their demands, with no negotiations held with the PGIMER management. The central issues include:
- Implementation of revised wages effective from January 13, 2024, for which a written assurance was given by PGIMER management on August 12.
- Clearance of pending dues amounting to approximately ₹90 crore for contract workers.
- Action on a complaint filed by the JAC on September 18 regarding violations of Section 6(2) of the Haryana ESMA, 1974, with a reminder sent on December 18.
The JAC has issued a clear ultimatum: if no decision is taken on these demands by December 22, all contract workers will hold a day-long strike and protest on December 23.
Call for Peaceful Resolution
JAC chairman Ashwani Kumar Munjal emphasized that the contract workers have always preferred a negotiated settlement. He expressed hope that the PGIMER administration and the Chandigarh Administration would take positive steps soon to resolve the issues amicably and ensure normal operations at the premier medical institute. The situation remains tense as the clock ticks down on the administration's deadline to address the workers' legitimate grievances.
