New Delhi- The agitation by contract workers at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) entered its seven on Sunday, with workers observing a meeting and marching across the campus to protest wage deductions, non-payment of statutory bonuses, arbitrary suspensions and other labour rights violations.

More than 700 workers employed in sanitation, mess, security, horticulture and maintenance services are participating in the agitation. Their demands include an end to unlawful wage deductions, payment of pending statutory bonuses for the past three financial years, reinstatement of illegally suspended and retrenched workers, additional manpower, earned and casual leave entitlements, payment for holiday work, adequate safety equipment and implementation of equal pay for equal work.

Surya Prakash Vice President AIGKU- JNU Unit , stated that the protest continued despite conciliation proceedings held on Thursday, November 5, before the Regional Labour Commissioner (Central), New Delhi, involving the workers' union, AICCTU, JNU administration and contractors. During the proceedings, contractors said they had sought JNU's approval to pay the minimum statutory bonus before Diwali. The university sought more time, describing it as a policy decision. The union strongly objected, pointing out that workers had been denied bonuses for three consecutive financial years.

The conciliation officer reiterated that eligible workers could file a collective claim under Section 45 of the Code on Wages, 2019. On other demands, JNU said a dedicated email address of the grievance redressal cell for workers' grievances would be displayed on notice boards within ten days. Contractors agreed to display leave provisions and provide bilingual leave application forms.

AE Securitas agreed to issue offer letters to four workers whose reinstatement had been agreed upon earlier. JNU was also directed to submit a factual report on contract worker strength across its various services within 15 days. The university was advised to ensure the provision of uniforms and necessary safety equipment to workers. The Conciliation Officer also advised JNU to hold a bilateral meeting with authorised union representatives to address outstanding grievances.

The next conciliation hearing has been scheduled for November 20. The workers said that despite repeated assurances and earlier conciliation proceedings, several of their demands remain unresolved, which shall be considered a violation of the legal binding order by the honourable office of Labour Commissioner. They called upon the Jawaharlal Nehru University Teachers' Association (JNUTA), students and the Students Union (JNUSU) and other sections of the university community to extend solidarity with their struggle. The union said a university that upholds democratic values and academic freedom must also ensure the labour rights and dignity of the workers responsible for keeping its campus functional and maintain harmony of the workplace.