Shillong: A group of 143 contractual workers at the Meghalaya Tourism Development Corporation Limited have set a 30 day deadline for their jobs to be made permanent. The Meghalaya Tourism Development Corporation Progressive Workers Union submitted a formal petition to the Managing Director on Monday. They want immediate regularisation for anyone with over a decade of service. These employees have put in long hours at company resorts, restaurants, water sports sites, and the State Convention Centre.
Some staffers have logged 15 years on the job without ever gaining permanent status. The union sent copies of their demand to the Governor, the Chief Minister, the Tourism Minister, and other top government officials. Union president Napoleon S. Mawphniang noted that the workers have been carrying out routine duties for years under their temporary labels. He stated, "The workers had been performing regular duties for years despite their contractual status."
Tensions hit a boiling point after the Corporation issued a recruitment advertisement on August 24. This notice suggested that new hires could see their roles regularised after proving their performance. The union views this as a slap in the face to veterans who have already served the state for over a decade. They backed their argument using Articles 14, 16, and 21 of the Constitution and cited the Supreme Court judgment in the case of Secretary, State of Karnataka v. Umadevi. A past Meghalaya High Court ruling on equal pay for equal work at the state energy corporation also bolsters their legal claim.
Protection is another major concern. The union explicitly demanded that the Corporation shield all signatories from termination, demotion, or unwanted transfers. Any retaliation against an individual will be treated as an attack on the entire collective. The union wants a clear policy change or a move toward tripartite talks. Silence will trigger a push to the Labour Commissioner and potential street protests. The clock is ticking.
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