Proddatur Covid workers seek justice, demand hike in daily wages
By Doruvu Paul Jagan Babu: Assistant Chief Editor
Andhra Pradesh: On Monday, under the leadership of CITU, a delegation of Covid frontline workers submitted a petition to Podduturu municipal civic body leaders demanding fair wages and promised welfare benefits, citing government orders that have yet to be implemented.
Memorandum submitted to civic body officials
The petition was submitted to Podduturu Municipal Chairperson Bheemunipalli Lakshmi Devi, Vice Chairperson Bangaru Reddy, and Councilor Khaja. The workers, represented by CITU District Secretary Satyanarayana and Municipal Union Town General Secretary K Salmon, urged the civic body to take up their long-pending issues for immediate redressal.
Covid workers hired in crisis now feel abandoned
During the Covid-19 crisis, 95 workers were recruited on a temporary basis and paid Rs 400 per day. However, with updated government orders and increased cost of living, the workers now seek to be paid Rs 570 per day as per the new GO. They requested the council to take up the issue for discussion and ensure justice.
Unfulfilled promises on basic amenities
The workers reminded officials of earlier assurances made by the municipal commissioner that included provision of essential supplies such as coconut oil, soaps, slippers, and uniforms. They were also told they would be granted casual leave when unwell—promises that remain largely unfulfilled.
Leaders assure action, workers await results
Chairperson Lakshmi Devi, Vice Chairman Bangaru Reddy, and Councilor Khaja assured the workers that justice would be done and their issues would be addressed without fail. They promised to take necessary steps at the council level to ensure implementation of the demands.
CITU District Secretary Satyanarayana, District Working President Vijay Kumar, and Town General Secretary Salmon accompanied the delegation. Covid workers’ leaders Raju, Mary Babu, Davidu, Prasanna, Shiva, Issaku, Danamayya, and Vasantha Rao also took part in the meeting. “We served the people during their most difficult time. Now, we are simply asking for what is rightfully ours,” they said.
