Contract power workers demand regularisation

Vijayawada: Hundreds of workers belonging to Andhra Pradesh power sector from various parts of the state took part in the ‘Currentolla Shankaravam’ at Gymkhana Grounds here on Friday.

The workers demanded merger of contract and outsourcing workers into power sector besides regularising them as permanent employees.

The JAC leaders representing various unions and associations were united with the support of the opposition leaders from YCP, Congress, Jana Sena, and Left parties to bring pressure on the State Government and the Andhra Pradesh power sector for the merger of the contract employees.

JAC Chairman Bala Kasi said that they were put to hardship for over two decades after the implementation of the third party system without job security.

He said that contract system was playing havoc with the employees with less pay, long working hours and insecurity at work place.

He said AP Transco, AP Genco, and Discoms were enjoying the rewards and awards owing to the hard work the thousands contract employees.

AITUC state president R Ravindra Nath said Minister for Power Kala Venkata Rao cheated the contract labourers by granting wage revision as per the 2014 PRC.

However, when the workers demanded implementation, the officials say that as per 2018 PRC they would benefit more.

They demanded the government to implement the direction of the Supreme Court 'equal pay for equal work' and do justice to them by providing other facilities.