Robert Abraham, Hindustan Times
On Wednesday, 3,500 contractual workers in various roles at PGIMER, Chandigarh, went on strike after their union leaders were detained while planning a protest. The strike continued into Thursday, causing significant disruptions to health services, impacting patients and healthcare staff. The workers demanded equal work, equal pay, health benefits, and other perks. Former Chandigarh BJP president Arun Sood conducted three rounds of negotiations with PGIMER officials. During these discussions, it was agreed that the Deputy Director of Administration (DDA) and a few PGIMER officers would approach the Union health ministry for funds to comply with a Punjab and Haryana High Court order on pay parity. The funds to execute the order have been cleared,Next week will mark negotiations on more issues, that include the regularization of contract workers in accordance with directives from the central government. In August 2021, the Supreme Court had decided regarding contract labor rules in whose pursuant these negotiations are being done.
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