The ongoing protests by Anganwadi workers and Municipal staff in Andhra Pradesh have become a major concern for the ruling YSRCP Government. The workers are demanding minimum wages and gratuity, and they have been on strike for the past 21 days. Over 1.06 lakh workers are currently on strike, and they have given the Government an ultimatum to address their demands by January 3.
Initially, the Government stated that the issue of increasing wages would be considered after the elections. However, as the protest continued, notices were issued to the workers asking them to report for duty by January 5 or face departmental action.
In addition to the Anganwadi workers, municipal staff in Andhra Pradesh are also protesting for the regularisation of services, a salary of Rs 18,500 for Clean Andhra Pradesh (CLAP) vehicle drivers, and welfare benefits for all workers. The workers have expressed concerns over their low wages and delayed payments.
Discussions have been held between authorities and the protesting staff, but the workers have continued their protests. A meeting was also held between a team of AP Ministers and municipal labour unions to discuss various issues related to the workers. The trade union leaders have emphasized the demand for equal pay for equal work and stated that they would call off the strike only if the Government showed a positive response to this demand.
