Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) has appealed to contract workers to refrain from engaging in an illegal strike that started on Monday, asserting that the administration has already taken positive steps to address their demands. Despite these efforts, the Samaj Samata Kamgar Sangh (Navi Mumbai) has announced an indefinite strike, which the corporation deems unlawful and unnecessary.
According to NMMC, contract workers providing civic services have been hired through contractors since the corporation’s inception and are not directly employed by the municipal body. The administration highlighted that as per a 2013 Supreme Court ruling, contract workers are not entitled to "equal pay for equal work" and are instead paid as per the Minimum Wages Act. The corporation assured that wages, allowances, and bonuses are being regularly disbursed through contractors.
In an effort to resolve the issue, NMMC had sought guidance from the state government in 2022 and 2023 regarding the implementation of equal pay for equal work for contract employees. In response, the government directed the municipal body in September 2024 to assess its financial capabilities and take a decision at its level, as additional funding would not be provided. Following this directive, a committee was appointed under the Additional Commissioner to study legal provisions and court rulings. The committee’s findings revealed that implementing "equal pay for equal work" would result in wages lower than the existing minimum wage. This report was shared with all labor unions.
"Direct discussions were held with union representatives on December 27, 2024, and January 16, this year, where these facts were informed. Despite this, the union launched an indefinite hunger strike," a NMMC officer said.
A high-level meeting was held on January 3, chaired by NMMC Commissioner Dr. Kailas Shinde, leading to the formation of a special committee under a retired Additional Chief Secretary of Maharashtra to review the matter. The committee has been tasked with submitting a report within two months, with its first meeting scheduled for February 12, 2025.
"Despite these ongoing efforts, the Samaj Samata Kamgar Sangh has announced a work stoppage, accusing the NMMC of submitting an incorrect report, disregarding the Chief Minister’s directives," the officer added.
NMMC has urged labour unions to await the committee’s report. The corporation has also warned that disrupting essential city services through an unlawful strike would be equal to holding citizens hostage.
