Delhi’s Mandir Marg police station on June 7, 2022 detained Lady Hardinge’s Medical College’s (LHMC) 50 sanitation workers amidst protests decrying their illegal termination. The All India Central Council of Trade Unions (AICCTU) condemned the police for manhandling workers and their family members.
On Tuesday, workers headed towards the LHMC building to speak to the management about the sudden firing of some sanitation workers. As per a May 31 Delhi High Court order, the hospital is barred from terminating its employing who have been working there for the last 12 years. This order was in relation to workers’ demand for minimum wages amounting to around ₹ 7,000, including Kalawati Saran Children hospital staffers.
However, police officials kept the workers’ group from entering the building. According to AICCTU Delhi Secretary Surya Prakash, workers then proceeded to protest outside the building but were detained by the police due to “lack of permission”. Videos of the incident show Prakash talking to ASI Chadrahas.
Com. Surya tried explaining the police how the hospital admin is in clear contempt of the Delhi HC’s order. Instead of reinstating the workers they are asking them to pay 25k as bribe.
ASI Chadrahas ( PS Mandir Marg) still seized them. He must be suspended immediately. (2/n) pic.twitter.com/L0WbaLbLwL
— Shreya kapoor (@ShreyaDU_AISA) June 7, 2022
“It was only around June 1, 2021 that minimum wages were implemented for the workers. Every time there is a new contractor, workers lose their jobs. Now this has happened despite pending arrears worth ₹ 1.67 cr,” said Prakash.
The trade union leader explained that this calculated number relates to only 22 workers. Around 325 more workers are waiting for their case to be filed.
As per the Delhi court order, “In case the respondents [LHMC authorities] engage any new contractor for the same work(s) which the petitioners [sanitation workers] have been performing for the last many years, the respondents will direct the said contractor to engage the petitioners on the same terms and conditions as existing today without demanding any commission or premium from them for such engagement.”
The order may be read here:
Instead, one worker Afsana accused the police of manhandling on Tuesday. Protesters condemned the hospital for blatantly ignoring court directions. Prakash said it was unfortunate that such an incident occurred nearly a kilometre from the Labour Ministry office.
2/n Although the courts are generally anti poor, but even if they get rare favourable orders. Government agencies ensures that they are not implemented. Demolition of Jahangirpuri houses ,Non implementation of orders of sanitation workers are all just glimpse of this . @clifroz
— Surya Prakash (@SuryaPr98652743) June 8, 2022
Related:
Stop Killing Us: Sanitation workers
Manual scavengers: Abandoned by state, derided by society
Manual scavenger deaths: Did Centre misrepresent death data in Parliament?
Gujarat: 12 sanitation workers dead, but no compensation?