AP Power Employees JAC Demand Pay Revision, Regularisation of Contract Workers

TIRUPATI: Electricity employees affiliated to the State Power Employees’ Joint Action Committee (JAC) staged a protest on the premises of Southern Power Distribution Company Ltd (SPDCL) office here on Monday.

They said there was prolonged delay in the revision of pay scales, regularisation of contract workers etc. Electricity contract workers from various districts reached here in large numbers to take part in the protest.

The police arrested or detained some protesters while a dharna was staged outside the SPDCL office.

Former CPM parliament member P. Madhu and CITU state vice-president Kandarapu Murali expressed their support to the protesting workers. However, police detained both at the Lakshmi Puram circle. Meanwhile, the workers marched with red flags towards the SPDCL office.

Sudarshan Reddy, chairman of the Porata committee, said Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy had promised regularisation of the contract workers. Another functionary, Subbi Reddy, said the employees would go on an indefinite strike from August 10 if their demand was not accepted.

Committee convener Sivaiah alleged neglect of the contract workers by the government and discom officials in resolving the issues raised by them.