Contract healthcare workers protest in Hyderabad over low wages, poor conditions

Contract workers in Telangana government hospitals staged a protest in Hyderabad, alleging wage discrepancies, PF and ESI irregularities, and poor working conditions. They demanded a minimum wage of Rs 26,000, abolition of the agency system, and improved workplace facilities and safety gear.

Hyderabad: Contract workers handling sanitation, patient care, and security in various government hospitals in Telangana staged a massive protest on Monday at Commissioner of Health and Family Welfare, Koti, demanding immediate redressal of their long-standing grievances related to wages and working conditions.

In the demonstration, which was conducted by Telangana United Medical and Health Employees Union, the protesting contract workers in the demonstration highlighted several issues faced by them in Government general hospitals, medical colleges, and community health centers.

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Union leaders alleged that while the State government has fixed a monthly wage of Rs 15,600, workers are often paid only Rs 11,000, with contractors allegedly siphoning off the remainder. The union said that mandatory PF and ESI contributions are being deducted from workers’ salaries without being properly deposited, in violation of labor laws.

The contract workers demanded immediate abolition of the agency-based system and direct management of workers by the government, a minimum monthly wage of Rs 26,000 and ensuring salaries are credited on the first day of every month.

The contract workers also demanded provision of restrooms to change clothes, as workers are currently forced to use patient restrooms or outdoor spaces, along with the supply of essential uniforms, gloves, and safety gear.