Jaintia Hills PWD Muster roll workers fast, suspends after assurance

A Reporter

SHILLONG: The Jaintia Hills PWD Muster Roll Workers’ and Labour Union on Monday staged their indefinite hunger strike at the Additional Secretariat parking lot in Shillong, however in the evening the Union decided to suspend their strike soon after speaking with the Deputy Chief Minister of the State Prestone Tynsong over the phone.

Muster roll workers numbering around 300 plus gathered at the park lot, along with placards and banners detailing their demands while also shouting slogans.

Speaking to reporters soon after suspending the agitation, president of the Union Khroo Lamsalanki Pariat said, “We were able to talk with the Deputy Chief Minister and he has assured us that he will meet with the union leaders along with officers of different government departments on December 21, hence we have decided to suspend our agitation.”

He said that the Dy. CM has also assured them that their demand to increase their daily wage of the Muster roll worker to Rs. 300 per day is also under process and then it will be taken to the cabinet for implementation of the said demand.

Concerning the Meghalaya Building and Other Construction Welfare Board (MB&OCW Board) he said there are around 14 schemes under this board and this will also be discussed during the meeting on December 21.

When asked, he said, “If the government fails to meet our demands even after our discussion on December 21, then we will have no choice but to take up this matter with the Meghalaya High Court or continue with agitation.”

As Christmas is approaching he said, “We have requested the Dy.CM to release our pending wages for the past 6-7 months and he has assured us that the PWD Road and Building will release the pending wages and arrears of the muster roll workers.”

He however said that for the time being as its almost due date for enrolment of school fees for the next academic year for their children most of the muster roll workers will have to take loans.

Also read: Meghalaya News