DMCEWU calls off ‘no pay, no work’ stir

Dimapur Municipal Council Employees Welfare Union (DMCEWU) on Wednesday called off its “no pay, no work” agitation following a written assurance from the chief executive officer (CEO) of Dimapur Municipal Council (DMC).
Addressing a press conference at old DMC office, Kalibari road here, DMCEWU president Vinoto Ayemi informed that the protest, which was launched over a four-month backlog of employee salaries and other pending benefits, has been suspended after thorough deliberation by the union’s executive and senior members.
He stated that the union decided to suspend the agitation based on the written assurance that the salary dues would be credited on or before August 20. Union president acknowledged the positive response from DMC CEO and councillors in addressing their demands.
Asked whether all employees agreed to the suspension of agitation, Ayemi said there were some dissenting voices, but the union leadership acted in the collective interest of the employees.
DMCEWU president has, however, warned that if the assurance was not fulfilled within the specifid period, the agitation would resume.
He said that salaries could be credited as early as this week, depending on the revenue flow.
Ayemi informed that regular office functioning would resume from August 7. He urged employees to carry out their duties responsibly. Union president also urged the higher authorities to take appropriate action against staff who failed to perform their roles.
On the issue of delayed salaries, Ayemi said the responsibility lay with higher authorities, adding that the union had no control over the revenue sources.
On the formation of a core committee by DMC, Ayemo expressed hope that the committee would work judiciously to prevent such issues in the future.
Meanwhile, union president has urged the department of urban development and municipal affairs to consider making toll tax operational again. He said that with the ban on urban utility fees (entry tax), the DMC’s ability to generate income has been severely affected.
Supporting the union’s stance, DMCEWU general secretary Lensanaro said that DMC being a self-sustaining body, was facing extreme financial distress.