Shimla witnessed a significant development as contract and outsourced workers at IGMC held a general body meeting to discuss long-pending labor issues and workers’ rights. During the meeting, the workers unanimously decided to observe a complete strike on February 12 over four labor codes and several unresolved demands.
Union leaders stated that workers are not receiving the full minimum wages announced by the Himachal Pradesh government from time to time. They demanded immediate payment of pending wage arrears along with interest. Special emphasis was laid on outsourced nursing staff, who are currently being paid under the skilled category instead of the highly skilled category, despite performing duties that qualify for higher wages.
The union demanded equal pay for equal work in line with Supreme Court directions, immediate issuance of verified photo identity cards to all workers, mandatory double-rate overtime payments, and timely monthly salary transfers to bank accounts before the seventh of every month. Workers also sought detailed salary slips and strict implementation of written agreements signed with the hospital management in previous years.
Additional demands included annual provision of uniforms and footwear, uniform washing allowance, strict implementation of provident fund and insurance benefits, payment of bonus for the financial year 2024–25, adequate equipment for waste handling in the cancer hospital, and increased workforce strength in various hospital units.
Concerns were also raised over workplace harassment by supervisors, lack of basic facilities for women workers, and multiple attendance requirements. The union warned that if the demands of outsourced and contract workers are not addressed promptly, the agitation will intensify, leading to a complete strike on February 12.
