RIMS workers face salary delay, threats
By Doruvu Paul Jagan Babu: Assistant Chief Editor
Kadapa – Andhra Pradesh: Alleging severe labour violations at RIMS Hospital, the Rayalaseema Trade Union has warned of protests if workers are forced to face the festival season without receiving three months’ pending wages, accusing the contractor of harassment and anti-labour practices.
Three months’ salaries withheld
Addressing the media at the RCP office on Thursday, Rayalaseema Trade Union City Secretary Madagalam Prasad said that RIMS workers have not been paid salaries for the last three months. He questioned whether workers were being deliberately pushed into hardship during the festival season despite continuing their duties.
“Unlawful dismissal policy” alleged
Prasad strongly objected to what he described as a newly introduced rule at RIMS Hospital allowing workers to be dismissed after the age of 50. He said such a policy does not exist anywhere else in the state or the country and termed it illegal and arbitrary. He further warned that workers should not be dismissed after decades of service, drawing a comparison with army-style retirement practices and stating that contractors enforcing such rules are unfit for their role.
Contractor accused of harassment
According to the union, several contractors have worked at RIMS in the past, but none have harassed workers to this extent. Prasad alleged that since the present contractor took charge, workers have been subjected to continuous intimidation, denial of salaries, and threats of termination. He accused the contractor of forcing workers to sign blank papers, suppressing protests, and carrying out anti-labour activities under the pretext of administrative discipline.
Protest warning if wages not paid
Prasad warned that if salaries are not cleared before the festival, workers will be compelled to surround the contractor’s office in protest. He added that any attempt to suppress workers in the future would be met with daily agitations under the banner of the Rayalaseema Trade Union.
Rayalaseema Trade Union leaders Munireddy and Ravi were present during the media interaction and expressed solidarity with the RIMS workers, reiterating their demand for immediate payment of wages and withdrawal of what they termed illegal labour practices.
