Protesting AP employees call off strike after talks with govt

Andhra Pradesh government employees who are protesting against the government order on revised pay scales called off their indefinite strike on 6 February after a fruitful discussion with the ministers. A two-day discussion on the 11th Pay Revision Commission (PRC) was held between representatives of the employee unions and the ministers. It was successful after the government accepted the demands of the employees.

Withdrawing the strike notice on 6 February, government advisor Sajjala Ramakrishna Reddy, chief secretary Sameer Sarma, and representatives of the employees Bandi Srinivasa Rao, Bopparaju Venkateswarlu, Anantha Venkatarami Reddy and K. Suryanarayana met Chief Minister Y.S Jagan Mohan Reddy. The employees thanked the CM for addressing their grievances.

Addressing the employees, Jagan said, "This is your government and I'm nothing without you. The pandemic has changed the situation and your expectations were not met but we are trying to do our best." He asked the employees' union to approach the government in case of any grievance. Protesting against the 11th PRC, thousands of employees had held the 'Chalo Vijayawada' programme earlier this week. Later, they had called an indefinite strike from 6 February.

Speaking to the media, government advisor (public affairs) Sajjala Ramakrishna Reddy, said, "After negotiations with the employees' union, the government has accepted the demands of the employees with a few modifications. While the fitment 23% will continue, the government has changed the House Rent Allowance (HRA) slabs from the present 8, 16, and 24% to 10, 12, 16, and 24% respectively. About 10% HRA is given for areas with a 50,000 population, 12% for an area with a population of 50,000 to 2 lakh, 16% for areas with a population of 2 lakh to 50 lakh, and 24% for areas with a population of more than 50 lakh. The 13 district headquarters will come under the 16% slab."

The AP Secretariat employees and HOD will get 24% HRA up to June 2024. Retired employees between the age of 70-74 years will get 7%, while retired employees between the age of 75-79 years will get 12% additional pension. Meanwhile, gratuity will be applicable from January 2022. Village and ward secretariat staff will be given PRC salaries by June 2022. The City Compensatory Allowance (CCA) will continue the same and Rs. 25,000 will be given for deceased employees and pensioners. By this month, the government will prepare a roadmap to settle CPS (contributory pension scheme) issue.

While the Interim Relief (IR) recovery proposal was withdrawn by the government, the same will be adjusted at the time of retirement. The PRC which was proposed for 10 years will continue for five years.