Following the expiry of its ultimatum served on the government to release salaries of 66 regularised operation and maintenance staff (OMS), the All Nagaland Electricity Field Workers Association (ANEFWA) has resolved to launch phase-wise agitation starting from August 30, 2023.
In a press release, ANEFWA president Vethinu Kezo and general secretary Vimesa Kera informed that the decision was taken at an emergency executive meeting of the association on August 25, 2023.
During phase-I agitation, all field staff members would wear black badge for three days as a sign of protest. During phase-II, all field staff members would go on a mass casual leave besides each district would send four representatives/volunteers to the Headquarters Kohima for coordinated action.
It was also agreed that legal consultation would be sought to ensure that the protest actions were conducted within the boundaries of the law and to address any potential legal challenges.
Meanwhile, the house decided that each zonal president would coordinate the implementation of the black badge protest including distribution of black badges and ensuring active participation in their respective Zonal.
Further, the executives of each zonal lead by the zonal president would oversee the organization of the mass casual leave and ensure that strict compliance.
ANEFWA finance secretary would take charge of the financial matters relating to agitation and maintain transparent records. The central executives would initiate legal consultation to ensure the legality of the protest actions.
The house acknowledged the support extended by the representatives from the driver union under the department and commitment to stand in solidarity with the field staff members.
The meeting resolved that the association would not compromise until salaries were released to all the affected individuals.
The association expressed dismay that despite serving ultimatum, the government did not take any actions, which it said “display the unconcerned attitude” towards the members of the association.
It stated that the government made the field workers under the department of power as ‘Operation & Maintenance Staff’ and by its own office orders, 66 OMS were regularised and they along with the members of the association had been directed to perform their duties in their respective place of posting in cliff ridge forest areas for maintenance of power lines since January 2023.
However, ANEFWA said their salaries have not been paid, which it described as “uncalled for and exploitive in the highest manner.”
In the light of the above, the association said it was compelled to stage agitation. The association maintained that its actions were driven by a sincere commitment to the welfare of its members and the continued provision of electricity services.
The association also urged the district administration, the general public under various tribal hohos of Nagaland to bear with the field workers during the period of protest and extend support towards genuine cause.