Maha employees union to give strike notice on Jan 29

A union representing Maharashtra government employees today said it will give notice of indefinite strike from February 13 to state administration by this month-end.
"Employees across the state will hold demonstrations during a lunch break on January 29 and serve the notice to go on indefinite strike to collectors of all districts", said Rajya Karmachari Madhyawarti Sanghatana vice president Bhaskar Ghavale.
He threatened that nearly 20 lakh employees of the state government will join the strike if their demands are not met by the government.
"The state government has been from time to time giving just assurances and nothing concrete has happened (towards welfare of employees)", Ghavale said.

Among main demands of the employees is extending to them various benefits and pay scale being enjoyed by their counterparts in Central government.
"We want the pay scales and retirement age on par with that of Central government employees", he said, adding that employees of semi-government organisations would also participate in the strike.

The state employees want a five-day working week and conceptualising an effective legislation to protect employees from attack by the members of public; reforming tax system in a way to ensure more revenue in coffers of government.
In a meeting held at Nashik on January 19, General Secretary of Maharashtra State Employees Union, R G Karnik had alleged that Prithviraj Chavan government was neglecting their demands.

The union had discussed these issues with then Chief Secretary Jayant Banthia on July 13, 2013.