Shimla, December 16, 2025:
Under the banner of the IGMC Contract Workers’ Union affiliated with CITU, around 150 workers, including cleaning staff, ward attendants, ECG technicians, mess workers, paramedical staff, and laundry employees, staged a massive protest at the main gate of Indira Gandhi Medical College (IGMC) hospital. The workers were enraged over the non-payment of salaries for the past two months and demanded immediate resolution from the hospital authorities.
Demands for Immediate Action
Union leaders sought a meeting with the hospital’s Principal, Additional Director, and Medical Superintendent to address their grievances. They warned that if their demands were not met by December 23, they would launch an intensified agitation. Proposed protests include strikes, marches to Raj Bhavan, the Secretariat, and the Deputy Commissioner’s office, as well as sit-ins and demonstrations at key locations such as the Mahatma Gandhi statue.
Allegations of Worker Exploitation
The union accused IGMC management and contractors of severely exploiting workers. Union members criticized an affidavit submitted by IGMC management in court, which denied responsibility for the workers’ appointments and salary payments. Leaders demanded transparency, questioning why COVID warriors, who served during the pandemic, were being treated so unfairly.
Union Leaders Speak Out
CITU President Vijendra Mehra, Union President **Virendra Lal, General Secretary **Nokh Ram, and other leaders alleged that over 150 workers, including ward attendants, sanitation staff, and security personnel, were facing a conspiracy to terminate their employment. They pointed out that workers had not received their salaries for November, even though December was already halfway through.
Workers also complained about being forced to perform additional tasks without appropriate compensation. “The hospital operates under oppressive conditions reminiscent of colonial times,” one union leader remarked, criticizing the continued use of hire-and-fire policies.
Demands for Basic Rights
The union highlighted violations of labor laws, including the non-payment of minimum wages and lack of EPF, ESI benefits, paid leaves, and timely salary payments. They also demanded improved facilities, such as proper uniforms, changing rooms, and compliance with an agreement reached with the labor office on June 12.
Threat of Intensified Protest
Union leaders warned that if the authorities failed to address these issues, the workers would intensify their protest. “We will take to the streets to fight for our job security and basic rights,” they declared. The union reiterated its commitment to holding the IGMC administration and contractors accountable, ensuring justice for all workers.
