Hostel workers seek implementation of revised minimum wages

A group of hostel workers employed by various government departments in Hubballi have begun a letter campaign, demanding the implementation of revised minimum wages. The workers gathered outside the Vidyanagar Post Office on Wednesday, calling for the new statutory order that took effect on May 22 to be put into action. Lakshmi Chinnaguntapalli, a representative from the Hubballi taluk unit of the Karnataka State Joint Hostel Workers’ Association, expressed frustration that workers were still being paid the old wages, despite the government's formation of a sub-committee to slow down the implementation process.

The workers argue that the current wages are insufficient to cover living expenses in light of increasing prices, and they insist that the revised minimum wages should be put into effect immediately, with monthly payments made by the due date. In subsequent letters to the Chief Minister, the workers have also requested wage slips and benefits such as Provident Fund (PF) and Employees’ State Insurance (ESI) for all eligible employees.

Should their demands not be met, the workers have threatened further protests. Participants in the letter campaign included Shantavva Anjategari, Akkamahadevi Badiger, Anasavva Badiger, and others.