Bengaluru, 10 May

VV Puram police detained 56 ward attenders and group ‘D’ workers who were protesting at Victoria Hospital campus here and let them off after a few hours on Friday. This protest erupted after the 56 workers in the hospital who served the hospital for over 10-15 years were terminated without any notice on Wednesday.

Protesting under the banner of Karnataka General Labour Union (AICCTU), the workers have been demanding immediate reinstatement and recognition for their years of service. The terminated workers, many of whom are women hailing from Dalit and marginalised communities, were not allowed to commence their usual duties upon arrival at the hospital on Wednesday. Despite their substantial tenure and crucial roles, they were categorised as contract workers, denying them the rights they rightfully deserve.

Medical officers of the hospital said the issue stemmed from a transition between contractors. The previous contractor had employed the protesting workers, and with the arrival of a new contractor, a fresh batch of workers were recruited, they said.

Maitreyi, Secretary of AICCTU, told Salar News, “ The termination of workers is illegal even if the contractor has changed. The law mandates that one outsourced worker cannot be replaced with another worker.” —Salar News