On the occasion of International Labour Day, over 1,500 temporary employees of the PWD Labour Supply Society (LSS) staged a peaceful protest at Azad Maidan in Panaji, demanding regularisation of their services, job security and fair employment benefits.
Many of the workers have been serving for over a decade on a temporary or daily-wage basis. They urged the government to address their long-pending demands and provide stable employment conditions.
Union representatives warned that if their demands are not met, they will begin a phased agitation in the coming days.
Earlier this week, the workers submitted a memorandum to PWD Minister Digambar Kamat and the PCE, seeking regularisation after years of service under temporary status with limited benefits under the 6th Pay Commission.
Responding to the protest, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant appealed for dialogue instead of demonstrations. He said labour issues should be resolved through discussions with ministers or the labour department, adding that street protests are not a solution.
