ASHA workers call for July 9 strike over unmet demands

Andhra Pradesh: The ASHA Workers Union has announced its participation in a general strike on July 9, demanding fulfillment of long-pending promises, job security, and an end to excessive workloads. The call was issued during a district committee meeting held in Amalapuram, with leaders urging unity and active participation.

State leadership pushes for action on pending GOs

Speaking at the district meeting, ASHA Workers Union State General Secretary K Dhanalakshmi reminded the government of its commitments to ASHA workers. She urged Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu and relevant ministers to implement the promised Government Orders (GOs), including those related to raising the age limit to 62 years and providing retirement benefits. “The union will continue to fight until all pending GOs are issued,” Dhanalakshmi affirmed.

Concern over excessive workload and health impact

Dhanalakshmi also highlighted concerns about ASHA workers being burdened with additional responsibilities beyond their defined duties. She said a recent meeting with the State Commissioner led to the issuance of a circular clarifying the scope of their work. “Extra tasks are making ASHA workers sick. No one should be forced to work beyond their role,” she said.

District leaders call for mandal-level protests

ASHA Workers Union District President BS Esther Rani chaired the meeting, which resolved to mobilize workers across the district. Central trade unions have also extended their support, urging all ASHA workers to participate in the July 9 strike through protests and demonstrations at all mandal headquarters.

CITU demands minimum wage and job security

CITU District President G Durga Prasad, who also attended the meeting, demanded key reforms, including:

A minimum monthly wage of Rs 26,000
Provision of quality mobile phones for fieldwork
Job security and proper retirement benefits
Reduction in the workload imposed on ASHA workers

Union urges unity and continued struggle

The meeting concluded with a strong message of unity from union leaders. District General Secretary Malaka Subhashi and committee members Gurrala GB, Mangadevi, Venkatalakshmi, Bonthu Sujatha, Ullingi Srilakshmi, Eswari, Kanakadurga, Bhulakshmi, and Satyavati reaffirmed their commitment to the cause and called for district-wide mobilization in support of the July 9 strike. “Only through collective struggle can we secure dignity, fair wages, and justice for all ASHA workers,” they declared.