130 KDMC Health Workers Protest Over Three Months’ Pending Salaries, Warn Of Work Stoppage If Dues Remain Unpaid

About 130 attendants and cleaning staff from Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation’s Aapla Davakhana (HBT) and Urban Health Centres (HWC) staged a protest on Wednesday, alleging they haven’t received their salaries for the past three months. The workers claim their June, July, and August salaries are still pending, making it hard for them to pay household bills and cover their children’s education costs.

They submitted a representation to the KDMC Commissioner, saying they’ve tried repeatedly to get their wages from the contractor, Disha Agency, but the agency blamed KDMC for not paying them. The employees warned they’ll stop working if their unpaid salaries aren’t cleared within two days. Apart from the delayed payments, the workers raised concerns about being paid less than the approved amount.

According to a KDMC work order from October 15, 2024, they should be getting Rs 15,500 per month, but they say they’re only earning Rs 9,500, leaving a Rs 6,000 gap. They demanded the KDMC explain where the missing Rs 6,000 went and guarantee they receive the full approved salary. Procorator Mahesh Gaikwad expressed concern over the workers’ financial strain, especially during Ganeshotsav.

Gaikwad asked the Commissioner to release the pending wages immediately and conduct an inquiry into alleged salary deductions. A KDMC official said the employees’ salaries are paid from Central government funds, but those for the pending salaries haven’t arrived yet. Once the funds are received, the salaries will be released, the official said.