Bengal pump operators to hold 48-hour statewide strike over unpaid wages, job security

Pump operators across West Bengal have announced a 48-hour statewide strike on April 3 and 4, demanding the release of unpaid wages, job regularization, and enforcement of labor laws. The protest, organized under the Struggling Joint Forum, will include a sit-in demonstration at the Public Health Engineering (PHE) headquarters, "Nijalay," in Salt Lake and the submission of a deputation to the Chief Engineer.

According to reports, pump and valve operators have not received salaries for over three months. The delay is linked to the Central Government's suspension of funds for the Jal Jeevan Mission in West Bengal, following allegations of financial irregularities. Contractors operating under the project have stopped receiving payments, leaving pump operators without wages despite continued work. Several complaints to the state’s Labour Department have allegedly gone unanswered.

The protest also highlights concerns over land acquisition for water projects. Land donors claim they were promised government jobs in exchange for land but were later denied employment and compensation due to omissions in legal documents. Allegations have surfaced that funds allocated for compensation were misappropriated, and in many cases, the actual land acquired exceeded what was documented in agreements. Some pump houses have reportedly been built on land not originally designated for acquisition.

Workers have also accused contractors of violating multiple labor laws, including non-payment of wages, arbitrary dismissals, and unfair work conditions. Several complaints have been filed with the Labour Department, but no action has been taken so far. Workers cite violations of the Contract Labour Regulation & Abolition Act, 1970, particularly Sections 21(1) and 21(4), and the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947 (Section 25N).

The operators have issued a six-point demand charter, calling for timely salary payments, job security, fair wages, and improved working conditions. They are also demanding the implementation of government notifications issued by the West Bengal Finance Department in January 2025 regarding pay structure reforms and salary disbursement via the HRMS portal.

With no resolution in sight, the operators have warned of intensified protests if demands are not met. The two-day strike is expected to affect water supply operations across the state, as pump operators play a key role in maintaining public water systems.

Key demands:

• Immediate payment of three months' pending salaries and regular wage disbursement via the HRMS portal as per government orders
• Regularization of pump operators, establishment of a structured pay scale, and inclusion in social security schemes
• Reinstatement of workers dismissed for political reasons and enforcement of labor laws ensuring fair treatment
• Introduction of proper work policies, including 8-hour shifts, overtime pay, weekly and annual leave, and medical benefits
• Retirement benefits, including pensions and gratuity, for pump operators working beyond retirement age
• Recruitment of two pump operators, two valve operators, and security guards per project site for uninterrupted service