AGARTALA | AUGUST 28, 2026: In a major joint trade union movement advocating for contractual and unorganized workers, the Tripura Safai Karmi Union and the Tripura Private Security Guards Union submitted a representative deputation accompanied by a 13-point charter of demands to the State Labour Commissioner in Agartala.
A joint delegation comprising union leaders and worker representatives marched to the Labour Directorate office, highlighting severe job insecurity, sub-minimum wages, lack of statutory social security, and non-payment of long-pending arrears across government and private establishments.
Core Highlights & 13-Point Demands Outlined
- Implementation of Mandatory Minimum Wages: The unions demanded strict statutory implementation of the state’s revised minimum wage rates for sanitation workers and private security personnel deployed through outsourcing agencies across hospitals, administrative offices, and commercial establishments.
- Timely Monthly Salary Disbursal: Highlighting frequent multi-month wage delays by third-party contracting firms, the deputation demanded a fixed calendar date (by the 7th of every month) for direct salary bank transfers.
- Statutory EPF and ESIC Benefits: The charter called for immediate compliance audits to ensure mandatory Provident Fund (EPF) contributions, Employees’ State Insurance (ESIC) medical coverage, and accident compensation for all deployed sanitation workers and security guards.
- Job Security & Direct Contracting: Protesting exploitation by middleman outsourcing agencies, the leaders urged the Labour Department to institute direct contracting mechanisms or service regularizations for workers serving in vital public institutions.
- Safety Gear & Workplace Facilities: Demands were placed for providing standard personal protective equipment (PPE), uniforms, proper sanitation gear, designated rest areas, and fixed 8-hour duty shifts with overtime compensation.
Key Statement by Union Leadership
Addressing media personnel outside the Labour Directorate office in Agartala, joint union representatives stated:
“Sanitation workers and security guards form the backbone of everyday safety and hygiene across offices, hospitals, and public institutions, yet they remain the most exploited workforce. We have submitted a 13-point charter of demands to the Labour Commissioner, demanding minimum wages, timely salary payments, EPF-ESIC benefits, and protection against arbitrary termination by private agencies.”
Key Participants
- Executive office-bearers and delegates of the Tripura Safai Karmi Union.
- Leadership representatives and member delegations from the Tripura Private Security Guards Union.
- Senior officials of the Labour Department, Government of Tripura.
