Dimapur Municipal Council Employees Welfare Union (DMCEWU) Tuesday announced its decision to strike work in protest despite assurances from DMC chief executive officer (CEO) Thungchanbemo Tungoe to address their three core demands including release of backlog salaries.
The standoff between the DMC and its employees escalated as the general staff members expressed dissatisfaction and resolved to continue their agitation.
On July 24, 2025, DMCEWU had submitted a resolution to CEO of DMC Thungchanbemo Tungoe, outlining three primary demands: immediate clearance of three months’ pending salaries, regular monthly disbursement of EPF, gratuity and other employee benefits, and proper deployment of staff in various official duties. The union had warned that failure to meet its demands by August 4 would result in a “No Pay, No Work” protest, including the suspension of all tools and machinery operations.
As deadline lapsed, DMCEWU members held a peaceful protest rally on Tuesday at the old DMC office premises at Kalibari Road, reiterating their demands and refusal to resume work until concrete action was taken. Amidst the protest by DMCEWU the DMC chairperson, CEO, and councillors held a meeting at the new DMC office, Forest Colony. At the meeting, CEO Tungoe acknowledged the employees’ concerns and stated that the council had resolved to meet their demands in a phased manner.
According to Tungoe, three out of the four months’ pending salaries would be cleared on or before August 20.
He said that restructuring of staff deployment and duties was expected to be completed by the end of September, while all employee benefits—such as EPF, GSLI, and gratuity—would be streamlined and disbursed regularly by October 2025.
To tackle long-term issues, he said a core committee comprising DMC chairperson, CEO, and 12 councillors have been formed to address revenue irregularities and explore sustainable solutions to the recurring salary crisis. Tungoe assured that a written commitment outlining these resolutions would be handed over to the protesting staff.
However, the assurances failed to appease the general workforce. Employees remained adamant and reaffirmed they would not resume duties until their pending salaries were credited in full. “Promises have been made before, but nothing changes until action is taken,” said a protesting staff member.
On concerns about overstaffing, CEO admitted that DMC currently employs 436 personnel and acknowledged that salary delays have been an ongoing issue. He also explained that the council operates as a self-sustaining body, without sanctioned posts or formal service rules. CEO claimed that financial constraints worsened after a government directive in 2021–2022 halted tax collection at entry gates, leading to significant revenue shortfalls.
While the state government has extended financial assistance two to three times, the CEO disclosed that total salary backlog now stood at a substantial figure, further compounding the council’s fiscal crisis.
Garbage pile as DMC employees protest
Staff Reporter
DIMAPUR, AUG 5 (NPN): Garbage heap piled up at various localities in Dimapur is posing serious health hazard to public besides offering an ugly sight with foul odour as Dimapur Municipal Council (DMC) Employees’ Welfare Union began its indefinite protest over the non-payment of salaries.
According to reports, there are 435 staff members, including 208 sanitation workers, 139 technical and ministerial staff, and 88 fourth-grade employees of DMC.
On Tuesday, heap of rotting garbage remained uncollected along footpaths and roads, making movement by foot and on vehicles challenging. Shopkeepers and street vendors were frustrated and worried if the strike continued beyond a few more days.
A sanitation worker told this reporter that the workers were compelled to take the extreme step after repeated pleas and representations to DMC fell on deaf ears.
According to reports, the sanitation workers have not received their salaries for the past three months. Their protest, now in its second week, involves a complete halt to garbage collection services in the city.
The mounting waste has triggered sharp reactions from local traders and residents. “This is a market area. How can customers come and shop in such unhygienic conditions? The authorities must act swiftly,” said a local shop owner, echoing the sentiment of many others.