Team Goemkarponn
MARGAO: Daily wage garbage workers of the Margao Municipal Council (MMC) on Monday refused to report for duty, demanding renewal of their expired work orders and payment of pending wages. The protest has disrupted waste collection in several parts of the city, highlighting long-standing labour issues within the civic body.
The workers alleged that their work orders expired on November 2, and despite repeated assurances, no renewal was issued. They questioned the MMC Chairperson’s attempts to pressure them into resuming duty without formal orders, insisting that they would not work without legal documentation ensuring their employment and wages.
Tensions escalated when workers confronted the Chairperson, asking why daily wage road workers were granted the day off if the work orders were indeed ready. The Chairperson’s alleged threats to force them back to work failed, as the workers stood firm in their demand for transparency and fair treatment.
Former MMC Chairperson and South Goa President of the Bhimshakti Sangatan, Mr. Savio Coutinho, extended full support to the protesting workers. He and his team met the group, assuring them of backing through the organisation and urging MMC to address the workers’ grievances immediately.
The workers also raised serious concerns over wage discrepancies for October, pointing out that they were being paid for only 26 days despite having worked 31 days plus three public holidays. They submitted a written representation to the Chief Officer of MMC seeking immediate rectification of their wages and renewal of their contracts.
With garbage collection now affected, residents have urged the civic body to resolve the issue swiftly. The protest has once again exposed the precarious employment conditions of daily wage workers who form the backbone of the city’s sanitation system.
“We are ready to work, but not without proper work orders and fair pay,” said one worker. The MMC administration has yet to issue an official response.
