Navi Mumbai: Over 8,050 contractual workers employed with the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) have gone on an indefinite strike from today, leading to a halt in garbage collection across the city. The workers on strike are demanding equal pay for equal work, as per a policy adopted by the NMMC in 2007.

About The Protest

The protest stems from a long-standing issue regarding disparities in wages and benefits between contractual workers and permanent employees. The workers are demanding that their salaries be brought on par with those of fourth-class permanent employees, as per directives issued in 2007. They are also insisting on receiving benefits such as gratuity, earned leave, medical leave, provident fund, and uniforms, which are currently given only to permanent staff.

Statement Of The Union Leader Of The Contractual Workers

"Even after years of legal battles, committee reports, and government assurances, no final decision has been implemented. In 2022, a committee led by the Additional Commissioner was set up to assess the financial and legal feasibility of granting equal pay to contractual workers. The committee concluded that implementing equal pay would cost the NMMC an additional Rs 20.43 crore annually. However, despite proposals being sent to the state government for financial approval, no action has been taken," Mangesh Ladh, the union leader of the contractual workers, said.

Workers have alleged that while the municipal administration spends crores on other projects, their demand for rightful wages is being ignored. They argue that while permanent employees hired in 2024 are receiving significantly higher salaries, many contractual workers who have served for over 29 years are still underpaid.

The strike is expected to severely impact the city’s sanitation, particularly garbage collection, vector control measures, and maintenance of public gardens. The workers have vowed to continue their protest until a written assurance is given.

If the strike continues, the city could face mounting waste accumulation, leading to severe public health concerns.

"Road sweeping, garbage collection, sewage complaint will all be unattended and various NMMC Services will be affected if the strike continues. I hope the NMMC Commissioner takes the necessary decision to resolve the strike," former corporator Divya Vaibhav Gaikwad, said.