SHILLONG: The Joint Action Committee Muster Roll Workers Union (JACMRWU) has decided to temporarily suspend its proposed protest scheduled for December 16 at Madan Malki, following an assurance from Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma to hold talks with the union.
Addressing reporters at the Shillong Press Club, JACMRWU General Secretary Bympher Lyndem said the decision was taken after the Chief Minister assured the union’s adviser that discussions would be held on December 17 or, if not possible, in January 2026.
Lyndem said the union had recently organised a protest at Madan Malki demanding revision of the floor rate and payment of Variable Dearness Allowance (VDA). He informed that the Labour Commissioner had later called the union for a meeting and explained that due to a reduction in GST and a fall in prices of essential commodities, the department was unable to enhance the VDA. The union subsequently submitted a written representation, but no response has been received so far.
He further said the union had sought an appointment with the Chief Minister but was initially unsuccessful. However, the union’s adviser, K. Pariat, recently met the Chief Minister and conveyed the workers’ concerns. During the meeting, the Chief Minister requested the union to defer the protest and assured them of a meeting to discuss the issues.
In view of the Chief Minister’s assurance, the union announced the temporary suspension of the December 16 protest. Lyndem said the union respects the Chief Minister’s request and remains hopeful that talks will be held at the earliest.
The JACMRWU also expressed gratitude to the Chief Minister and the Council of Ministers for the implementation of the 50 per cent reservation for Regular Casual Workers (RCWs) under the Regular Casual Workers Scheme, 1996.
Additionally, the union urged the Chief Minister to intervene and ensure the release of pending wages of Muster Roll workers in the Sericulture and Veterinary departments, who have not been paid for the last six months. The union appealed to the Chief Minister, who also holds the Finance portfolio, to clear the dues before Christmas, stating that timely payment would provide much-needed relief to the workers and their families.
