Embedded Files
Dear Friends,
Several of you have expressed concern about workers in response to our
reports, and in our last note, we had outlined some ways in which we can
translate this concern into concrete action collectively. In this regard,
the mess and canteen workers have been proactive at their end. In these
times of lockdown and physical distancing, the workers have invested a lot
of time and effort in building solidarity amongst themselves, collecting
over 500 signatures on a letter addressed to the community that
collectively articulates their concerns and suggestions for what needs to
be done. The letter (original Hindi as well as English translation) is
attached with this mail. The letter raises the following important points:
1) As some students are set to return to the campus, there will be the
need to provide them with messing facilities. In this context, it is
imperative that these workers are made part of the process through which
decisions are made about how these messes are to be run. These workers,
who have served the Institute for many years, have the necessary skill and
knowledge that is essential to take effective decisions with regard to
student messing.
2) Any arrangement made for messing should draw from this current pool of
workers, and distribute available work amongst as many of them as
possible.
3) It should be ensured that the legal rights of the workers (minimum
wage, EPF, ESI) are ensured in deciding the terms of work during this
transition period.
The above is possible only with community support and intervention with
the administration, which is needed urgently at this point.
Hamara Manch
Sept. 14, 2020
Attachments:
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse