INTUC Warns of Statewide Strike Over Sidelining of Medical Trade Union Rights

Hyderabad: Senior officials in the health and medical department are trampling upon trade union rights and sidelining the government-recognised Public Health Medical Employees’ Union, alleged Dr G. Sanjeeva Reddy, president of the Indian National Trade Union Congress (Intuc) on Monday, warning of a statewide strike if the recognised unions were excluded from decision-making on transfers and departmental orders.

Speaking after the Intuc-3194 state executive meeting, Dr Reddy said the union was elected through state-wide polls conducted under the labour commissioner’s directions. He said Supreme Court judgments classified paramedical staff as “workmen” under the Industrial Disputes Act.

Dr Reddy questioned why TNJVO recommendation letters were receiving priority in transfers despite G.O. 264, ROSA rules and TNJVO bylaws stating that paramedical staff should not be members of such organisations. “Recognised trade unions must be made stakeholders in all government orders,” he said.

He also sought restoration of lady health visitor (LHV) training for auxiliary nurse midwives (ANM) promotions, Pay Revision Commission-linked pay revisions for National Health Mission (NHM) and RNTCP staff, and probation declarations for regularised MPHA male employees.