Itanagar, June 4: The Arunachal Pradesh Trade Union Federation (APTUF) and the All Arunachal Pradesh Workers’ Union (AAPWU) have expressed serious concern over the prolonged non-payment of wages to casual and contingency workers employed under various government departments, warning of protests if the issue remains unresolved.
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| APTUF Secretary General Kenkar Yomcha and AAPWU representatives address a press conference in Itanagar, demanding immediate release of pending wages for casual and contingency workers and warning of a 24-hour shutdown of electricity and water supply services in the state capital if dues are not cleared by June 20. (TNP) |
Addressing a joint press conference, the two unions highlighted the difficulties faced by thousands of workers due to delayed salary payments and urged the state government to immediately clear all pending dues and ensure timely payment of wages.
APTUF Secretary General Kenkar Yomcha stated that many workers have not received their salaries for the past two to three months, while some have reportedly been waiting for wages for as long as eight to nine months. Despite the delays, he said, the workers have continued to perform their duties without interruption, ensuring the functioning of essential government services.
The unions said the prolonged delay in wage disbursement has placed severe financial strain on workers and their families, many of whom depend solely on these earnings for their daily livelihood. They noted that irregular salary payments have affected the ability of workers to meet basic household expenses, education costs and other essential needs.
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According to Yomcha, the unions had earlier submitted memorandums to the state government on March 12 and May 11, seeking immediate intervention and release of the pending wages. However, they claimed that no concrete action has been taken so far to address the issue.
Expressing disappointment over the lack of response, the unions warned that if the government fails to resolve the matter by June 20, casual and contingency workers would cease work and launch a statewide protest.
As part of the proposed agitation, APTUF and AAPWU announced plans to enforce a 24-hour shutdown of electricity and water supply services in the state capital, Itanagar, as a mark of protest against the continued delay in wage payments.
The unions stressed that their demands are aimed at safeguarding the rights, welfare and livelihoods of workers who play a crucial role in maintaining essential public services across Arunachal Pradesh.
They called upon the state government and concerned departments to treat the matter with urgency and ensure that all pending dues are cleared without further delay. The unions also urged authorities to establish mechanisms that would prevent future disruptions in wage payments and provide greater financial security to casual and contingency workers.
Reiterating their commitment to the welfare of workers, APTUF and AAPWU said they hope the government will take corrective measures before the June 20 deadline, thereby avoiding disruption of essential services and further hardship for affected employees.
