Mid-day meal workers plan July 9 strike against harassment
By Doruvu Paul Jagan Babu: Assistant Chief Editor
Andhra Pradesh: Mid-day meal workers across Konaseema district, under the banner of CITU, have resolved to participate in the nationwide strike on July 9, citing political harassment, unfair dismissals, and demands for job security and minimum wage.
District meeting highlights worker grievances
On Tuesday, a district-level meeting of mid-day meal workers affiliated with the CITU was held at the Amalapuram office under the leadership of Triveni. Union District General Secretary K Satyaveni reviewed the situation in various mandals and discussed the growing concerns among workers. “In some mandals, workers are being harassed and replaced with Telugu Desam Party supporters,” said Satyaveni.
Strike against unfair dismissals and political pressure
Workers expressed frustration over being removed from their roles without justification, allegedly due to political influence. The union plans to escalate the issue with the District Education Officer and is prepared to protest if the unjust dismissals continue. “We will not remain silent if workers are targeted unfairly,” the union warned.
Support for nationwide strike on July 9
Satyaveni reaffirmed the union’s participation in the nationwide strike on July 9, which has been called by CITU and central trade unions to demand protection of labor rights, repeal of anti-worker laws, fair wages, and job security. “This is not just a strike—it’s a patriotic fight for dignity, justice, and rights,” she emphasized.
Strike notices at mandal level urged
While a strike notice has already been submitted to the District Education Officer, workers were instructed to submit similar notices to Mandal Education Officers to strengthen local participation. “Those not on cooking duty should still join the strike and ensure its success,” Satyaveni urged.
Wide representation across the district
Mid-day meal workers from all 22 mandals of Konaseema district participated in the meeting. Leaders and activists including Amaravati, M. Bhanumathi, Sushila, Bonthu Parvathi, Vijayalakshmi, Reddy Padmavati, and Sujatha voiced support and committed to full participation in the upcoming strike.
