SHILLONG: The All Jaintia Muster Roll Workers & Labour Union (AJMRWLU) has issued a strong ultimatum to the state government, warning of large-scale street protests if their long-pending demands are not addressed.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Union demanded an immediate hike in the Variable Dearness Allowance (VDA) and the formal recognition of a retirement age for Muster Roll workers across the state.
The Union maintained that despite being the backbone of essential public services for years, Muster Roll workers have been neglected and denied basic social and economic security.
Khroo L. Pariat, Advisor to the Joint Action Committee, expressed frustration over what he described as the government’s lack of response. He revealed that the Union has submitted five memorandums to Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, but has received no concrete assurance.
According to Pariat, the only response from the Chief Minister has been an appeal for patience — a stance the Union says is no longer acceptable amid rising living costs.
“With inflation soaring, our patience has reached its limit,” he told reporters.
The Union also criticised the government for failing to implement the Labour Code, 2025, which it said was meant to safeguard the rights of Muster Roll and daily wage workers.
“We are baffled that since November 2025, the state government has not notified the Labour Code,” Pariat said. “This delay has deprived thousands of workers of essential protections.”
The AJMRWLU further pointed out that while the central government has reduced GST on certain food items, the state’s inability to regulate market prices and implement the Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) system has severely impacted workers’ livelihoods.
According to the Union, the absence of social security measures has left thousands of families vulnerable to inflation and economic uncertainty.
Calling for urgent intervention, the Union demanded an immediate meeting with the Chief Minister to resolve the issues.
It warned that continued indifference would force workers to intensify their agitation and launch sustained protests across Shillong.
“If the government continues to ignore us, our patience will turn into a powerful mass movement,” the Union stated. “The administration will not be able to overlook the voice of workers any longer.”
