RAJKOT: Despite model code of conduct being in force, around 5,000 employees of Rajkot Municipal Corporation (RMC) went on strike to demand immediate wage revision as per the Sixth Pay Commission recommendations.
On Monday, employees shouted slogans inside the RMC central building complex to put pressure on the ruling party, at the time of elections. According to Ramesh Cholera, vice-president of RMC Karmchari Parishad, “Initially, the employees will go on strike for two days, but the routine work of the civic body won’t be affected. Further action will be decided by the officebearers of parishad and other union.”
On Tuesday, before joining the duty at 11 am, the employees shouted slogans and after 6.30 pm again they held a demonstration.
RMC standing committee had passed a resolution to implement the Sixth Pay Commission in the civic body in last February, but before it could be implemented model code of conduct came into force.
RMC’s salary expenditure is around Rs 80 crore a year. With the revised wages, this would go up to Rs 120 crore. This would nullify the government’s compensation of Rs 115 crore for loss of octroi income after VAT was introduced. This means, the civic body would depend upon loans and grants from JNNURM for development projects and remaining income would go to pay hefty salary to RMC employees.
Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
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