University of Hyderabad contract workers launch indefinite protest for equal pay
Contract workers at the University of Hyderabad (UoH) campus in Hyderabad launched an indefinite protest on Tuesday to demand that the university administration address their long-pending grievances. The protesting workers are demanding "equal pay for equal work" and the complete abolition of the contract system.
According to the protesters, the implementation of new labour codes has pushed contractual employees into a severe crisis. They alleged that the new legal framework has weakened their job security, reduced essential workplace protections, and undermined established labour rights. The workers argued that these altered employment conditions have directly and adversely affected their livelihoods.
The workforce stated that the situation intensified significantly following the appointment of a new contractor at the university. The protesters claimed that this new contractor utilized provisions within the new labour codes to implement policies that stripped contractual employees of their existing rights and benefits. They argued that these administrative changes have worsened their overall working conditions and heightened insecurity among the staff.
To resolve the crisis, the contract staff are demanding that the university administration abolish the contract system entirely and regularise their services. Alongside "equal pay for equal work," the protesters are calling for the proper implementation of Employee Provident Fund (EPF) and Employees' State Insurance (ESI) benefits, as well as fair working hours and overtime compensation.
The list of demands presented by the workers also includes accountability for workplace accidents and deaths, wage revisions based on experience and seniority, compassionate support for the families of workers, and accessible healthcare and insurance coverage.
The protesting workers declared that they will continue their indefinite agitation on the campus. They stated that the protest will not end until the University of Hyderabad administration takes concrete steps to address their demands, safeguard their labour rights, and ensure fair and dignified working conditions for all contractual staff.
