Hostel workers protest in Ballari over unpaid wages and pay revision
Workers employed by the Social Welfare and Scheduled Tribes Welfare departments demanded the release of arrears and implementation of new minimum wages.
Hostel workers in Ballari recently staged a protest at the Zilla Panchayat premises to demand unpaid salaries for August and September and the application of revised minimum wages, according to The Hindu.
The agitation was led by the Karnataka State United Hostel Workers Union and the Karnataka State United Akshara Dasoha Workers Union, both affiliated with the All India United Trade Union Centre (AIUTUC).
The workers, including head cooks, assistant cooks, and watchmen, claimed that despite departmental rules requiring payment by the fifth of every month, delays have forced them to borrow money for household costs.
Social Welfare Department Deputy Director Chidanandappa told protesters that the two months of arrears would be paid by Tuesday and that he would discuss the revised minimum wages with senior officials.
Scheduled Tribes Welfare Department district officer Saswi Mainuddin stated that senior officials had directed the implementation of revised wages and that arrears would be paid alongside them.
Mid-Day Meal Scheme Taluk Officer Shivanayak said the pending wages would be released within a week, noting that the Union government's contribution has been received.