61 Safai Karamcharis launch indefinite strike and demand reinstatement of jobs

Safai Karamcharis stage a protest rally in Bengaluru on Monday. | Photo credit: Special Agreement

According to reports, 61 safai karamcharis (domestic workers) were fired from the Centre for Air Borne System (CABS)-Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) office in Ambedkar Nagar. They began an indefinite strike outside the office on Monday, demanding their reinstatement.

“On March 23, 2024, 61 Dalit women workers were sacked by the contractor after complaining of alleged extortion by the employer. In the complaint, they alleged that the workers had to pay Rs 4,000 as commission for payment of their monthly salary. Failure to pay the commission would allegedly lead to threats and non-payment of salaries. The complaint was filed with the labour department in April,” said Maitreyi K., state committee member of AICCTU, which is supporting the protest.

“Though Social Welfare Minister HC Mahadevappa has spoken to DRDO officials and directed them to reinstate the workers, the organisation has not done so. The minister has also directed DRDO officials to investigate extortion allegations against the contractor,” Ms Maitreyi said.

The women decided to go on an indefinite strike outside the CABS-DRDO office during office hours until their jobs are restored and their demands are met.