Accusing the State government of not delivering on the promises made, pourakarmikas have decided to continue their strike indefinitely till all assurances have been committed to in writing. They alleged that promises made by the Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai in the meeting on Friday found no mention in the minutes of the meeting officials shared with them on Saturday. The strike will continue for the third day on Sunday.
“The Chief Minister had agreed to bring pourakarmikas on payroll and bring loading and unloading helpers on direct payment. He had also agreed to provide ₹10 lakh to those pourakarmikas who retire after 60 years. We also received assurances on scholarships for children of pourakarmikas and others. But when we received the letter, there was no reference about these promises made and many things have been left out. We want the State government to include all the promises that were made, and the Chief Minister must come in person and give the letter. We will continue our strike till our demands are met,” said Nirmala, president, BBMP Pourakarmikara Sangha.
The leaders of the striking workers also demanded that the government fix a timeline to bring pourakarmikas on its payrolls. “When we received a letter from the officials, we found out that there is no reference about what is the timeline to make employment of pourakarmikas permanent. There is no reference about making direct payment facility for helpers and bringing out a separate law/policy for the pourakarmikas. It has become necessary for us to continue our strike, “ said union leader Clifton D’ Rozario.
