The leaders of the Andhra Pradesh State Power Employees’ Joint Action Committee (APSPEJAC) on Tuesday called for Ministry of Electricity workers to be recognized as frontline workers and a vaccine and 50 lakh allowance for families of all ages. receive 500 employees who succumbed to the virus.
In a memorandum to the energy minister Baliniva Srinivasa Reddy, the employee representatives announced that they would boycott the “COVID Awards” until their demands were met.
Referring to the collective bargaining agreements between the trade unions and the management of the energy suppliers, they refused to compare the wage structure of state employees and those of electricity workers. Citing fundamental differences such as high risk jobs, type of work, hours and locations, they claimed that changes were made to their performance.
They said they would oppose the management move, they would start a postcard campaign by writing 1 lakh postcards / letters to the Chief Minister and Energy Secretary asking them to resolve the issues without further delay. Should the government fail to obey their demands, they would peacefully intensify their protest.