'No raise, no benefits': Hyd Metro workers launch protest demanding salary hike
The workers protested outside the metro stations across the LB Nagar–Miyapur corridor (Red Line). This impacted the functioning of trains on the Red Line.
By Amrutha Kosuru Published on 3 Jan 2023 11:13 AM GMT
Hyderabad: The ticketing staff of the Hyderabad Metro Rail Ltd. reportedly staged a protest on Tuesday. The staff who were hired on a contract basis demanded their salary be increased.
The workers protested outside the metro stations across the LB Nagar–Miyapur corridor (Red Line). This impacted the functioning of trains on the Red Line.
However, there weren't many protests across the Blue and Green Lines and the metro was running smoothly.
The protestors explained that they got no benefits and that their salaries had not been increased for the last five years.
"The salary for a ticketing staff worker is only Rs. 12,000. The only benefits we have is PF and ESI," said a contract worker in conversation with NewsMeter.
"I have been working here for 16 months. I joined while I was still studying B.Com. I assumed that after I graduated, I'd get a hike, but I didn't," the worker explained.
The workers said after all the deductions, they only get Rs. 11,000 in hand.
"This is the amount paid for an 8-hour shift often with no week offs at all," explained another worker.
"Furthermore, we are all required to arrange our own transport to work. We don't even get a single free ride or anything like that," the worker said.
The workers demanded that the salary be hiked to Rs. 18,000. "This is basic pay. It is impossible to survive on only Rs. 11,000 per month," they said.
On the other hand, the Hyderabad Metro Rail refuted the claims and said the protesting workers are spreading rumours. It said, "A few ticketing staff under a contracting agency have connived and abstained from work today with a purpose to disrupt train operations, causing passenger inconvenience. They are also spreading rumours and misinformation out of vested interest. Their claims are false and their actions are highly against the public interest, which will call for stern action by the HMR management."
It added, "The management ensures due facilities and benefits are given to staff, however, will be discussing with them to learn more. Train operations are running on time and sufficient manpower is available."
