Over 5,200 MCD frontline staff go on indefinite strike

Amid a surge in malaria and dengue cases in Delhi, over 5,200 frontline staff of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) went on an indefinite strike on Monday citing “lack of regularisation, unequal pay and no leaves”.

Facing a stiff challenge from the rise in vector-borne disease cases, the MCD had earlier this month cancelled weekly offs for its public health field staff to intensify inspection and spraying drives until November 30.

The demands include permanent status for long-serving staff, equal and standardised pay, medical and earned leaves, and jobs for families of deceased employees.

“They [workers] were hired on a contractual basis at the Delhi government’s daily wage rate. If we give them extra work, we provide compensatory leave. Eight compensatory leaves are available every year,” an MCD official said, adding that their current positions were not intended to be permanent.

Support from Oppn.

The striking workers have drawn support from opposition leaders. Leader of Opposition in the MCD House and Aam Aadmi Party leader Ankush Narang said, “About one and a half months ago, these workers held a one-day strike and put forward three main demands. The first is equal pay. Currently, MTS/CFWs are being paid under six different pay scales, which creates inequality. This demand is absolutely justified, and everyone should receive equal pay.”

Indian National Congress leader Naziya Danish and Indraprashta Vikas Party leader Mukesh Goyal also extended support, urging the Commissioner and Mayor to intervene. “We demand that the exploitation of these employees must stop immediately and that their demands be considered and a solution found immediately,” Mr. Goyal said.