AAPWU reiterates its demands for relaxation of retirement age for ALC

A CORRESPONDENT

ITANAGAR: The All Arunachal Pradesh Workers’ Union (AAPWU) reiterated its longstanding demands for relaxation of the retirement age of Agency Labour Corps (ALCs) from 45 to 60 years, implementation of minimum wages, and enhancement of the grade pay for technical employees. Addressing reporters at the Press Club on Monday, AAPWU President Jalley Sonam informed reporters that the union has submitted several representations to the state government, placing its three-point demands. Unfortunately, there has been no response from the concerned department or the state government to date.

“Retirement at the age of 45 is too early for workers, as some are still physically capable for manual work at the mentioned age”, said Jalley while appealing to the state government to reconsider its decision and put a stay on the order issued for the termination of some workers at the age of 45. The union demanded voluntary retirement of workers at the age of 60 with uniform distribution of pension to all workers, he informed

It also demanded the implementation of minimum wages, he added, informing us that even after the submission of several memoranda, the state government has not paid interest on workers contributions by not enhancing the minimum wages in the state since 2019. And the private sector cannot violate the minimum wage process when the state government increases it. He claimed that there are loopholes in the system of minimum wages, urging the constitution of ‘advisory board’ for the proper functioning of the minimum wage process in the state.

Further, he appealed to put an end to the supply of non-statutory items while claiming that the present board members of ‘Arunachal Pradesh Building & Other Construction Workers’ Welfare Board (APB&OCWWB) are violating the provisions of the Act as well as the Supreme Court judgement by distributing non-statutory items to non-registered people, such as the general public and non-workers, who are not covered under the Act. Meanwhile, AAPWU women’s wing president Tajum Nalo stressed the enhancement of the grade pay for technical work charge employees of various departments like painters, fitters, RR operators, carpenters, E&M operators, mechanics, electricians, wiremen, AC operators, meter readers, HT linemen, etc. at par with the grade pay of other technical employees like LDC drivers, computer operators, etc. ‘Whether it be a painter, fitter, RR operator, carpenter, E&M operator, mechanic, electrician, wireman, AC operator, meter reader, HT lineman, etc., all employees under 19th grade will be uplifted to 24th grade pay under the 7th Central Pay Commission (CPC)’, she said.

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