The Arunachal Pradesh Trade Union Federation (APTUF) has issued a strong warning of a statewide strike if its pending demands are not addressed by the state government. The federation, representing workers across various sectors, accused the government of ignoring long-standing issues related to wages, benefits, and employment rights. This announcement has drawn attention to the growing discontent among workers in the state.
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Federation highlights key demands
The APTUF stated that its demands have remained unresolved for years despite repeated appeals. The federation highlighted issues such as regularization of contractual workers, timely release of wages, enforcement of minimum wage norms, and better workplace safety standards. Leaders of the federation accused authorities of giving repeated assurances without delivering concrete solutions.
According to the union, workers in different departments, including public works, power, and education, continue to face hardships. Many are employed on a contractual basis without access to regular benefits. Union leaders stressed that this has created widespread insecurity among workers who contribute to essential state services.
Government urged to respond quickly
The APTUF leadership has given the government a specific time frame to act on their demands. They warned that if the administration fails to provide written assurances, workers across the state will participate in a strike. Such an action, they said, would disrupt normal life and government functioning.
Union leaders added that their intention is not to create unrest but to secure justice for thousands of workers. They emphasized that peaceful dialogue is their preferred approach, yet the lack of government response has forced them to consider strong measures.
Workers voice growing frustration
Across the state, workers have expressed growing frustration at the delay in addressing these issues. Many contractual workers say they face irregular salary payments, making it difficult to manage their families’ daily needs. Others pointed out that despite working for years, they remain deprived of job security.
Some workers also highlighted the lack of social security benefits such as provident fund and medical insurance. They said that the absence of such facilities adds to their vulnerability. The strike threat, therefore, has found widespread support among workers in different sectors.
Political implications of the strike warning
The trade union’s strike call could also have political implications for the state. Analysts believe that widespread worker unrest may put pressure on the ruling government ahead of key political events. The opposition parties have already started voicing support for the demands raised by the federation.
If the strike goes ahead, essential services may face disruption, including government offices, electricity supply, and road construction projects. Such an outcome could impact daily life across the state and potentially affect ongoing development projects.
Calls for negotiation and resolution
Civil society groups and community leaders have urged both the government and the federation to engage in dialogue. They stressed that a strike would affect ordinary citizens the most, and both sides must work toward a resolution before the situation escalates.
Observers note that the government has an opportunity to address workers’ grievances by initiating discussions and forming a concrete plan of action. Such a move could not only resolve the immediate crisis but also improve relations between the administration and the workforce.
Trade union history in Arunachal Pradesh
The APTUF has a long history of raising workers’ issues in Arunachal Pradesh. Over the years, it has organized several protests and demonstrations to highlight grievances of employees in both public and private sectors. While some of its demands have been met in the past, many remain pending due to bureaucratic delays.
Union leaders argue that workers have shown patience for far too long. They believe that unless strong action is taken, the administration will continue to overlook their concerns. The planned strike, therefore, is being projected as a last resort.
Broader impact on state development
Experts warn that a statewide strike could slow down economic activities in Arunachal Pradesh. Ongoing infrastructure projects could face delays, affecting connectivity and growth. In addition, services in health, education, and rural development could also be hit, leaving citizens vulnerable.
However, trade union leaders argue that the government bears full responsibility if a strike takes place. They say that by ignoring workers’ basic demands, authorities have left them with no option but to resort to strong measures.
Outlook ahead
The coming days will be crucial for both the state government and the Arunachal Pradesh Trade Union Federation. The government is under pressure to open talks and prevent the situation from escalating. On the other hand, the federation is preparing to mobilize workers across districts if their concerns are not addressed.
Whether the state administration decides to negotiate or delay its response further will determine the future course of events. If a solution is reached quickly, it may help restore confidence among workers. But if the government continues to ignore the demands, a massive strike could disrupt the state’s functioning in the weeks ahead.
The federation’s warning reflects the simmering anger among workers who have long awaited justice. The unfolding developments will test the government’s ability to handle labor unrest while ensuring the welfare of its workforce.
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