Electricity workers protest over employment terms in Odisha’s Dhenkanal

Protestors under the banner of the Odisha electricity employees’ association gathered on Monday outside the office of Superintending Engineer (SE)-electrical in Dhenkanal district, bringing attention to several employment-related issues.

Their demands include maintaining existing employment conditions and cadre rules for those who have been retrenched, ensuring inclusion in the newly proposed wage and cadre benefits, and addressing dismissals predicated on allegedly false accusations.

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The union has called for the immediate reintegration of all laid-off employees under their previous terms and conditions. The protest reflects growing discontent within the workers’ ranks over perceived disparities in treatment and the need for clearer communication regarding employment terms post-retrenchment.

The union leaders argue that the changes are essential to protect the rights of the workers and to maintain fair treatment across the board.

“After TTPS came under Tata Power, they have not done any good work that catches our eye. Our people are working for 24 hours in place of eight hours, yet they are not happy with it,” an agitator Pranabandhu Mohanty expressed.

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“Be it temporary or permanent employees, the companies have been torturing us. We are supposed to get the remuneration as per the wage board since April 1, 2020. However, we are not being paid our due remuneration and the Tata authorities have to answer” another agitator Mrutyunjaya Pradhan rued.

When contacted, additional chief engineer Sujit Kumar Sahu said, “They are protesting with respect to the wage board. We have already informed the departmental higher-ups.”