Shillong: Members of the Meghalaya Tourism Development Corporation Progressive Workers’ Union are ready to stage a month-long sit-in. The protest will block the Pinewood Hotel gate from October 21 to November 20. Union president Napoleon S. Mawphniang demands a time-bound regularisation process for all contractual staff by October 20.
Mawphniang notified the East Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner 40 days ahead of the scheduled demonstration. He also sent copies to the Superintendent of Police, the Tourism Department, the corporation chairman, the Labour Commissioner, and the unit manager. The union wants clarity on why long-term employees remain on renewable contracts despite performing permanent duties.
Mawphniang challenged the corporation to justify its current labor practices. He stated, “If the work is genuinely temporary, the corporation should explain why it has continued without interruption for years. If it is permanent, it should explain on what principle the workers performing it are kept temporary.”
Vague assurances of the matter being under consideration are no longer enough. The union demands a tripartite meeting with the Tourism Department, the MTDC chairman, and the Labour Commissioner before the deadline. They will call off the sit-in only if they receive a written commitment to a firm timeline for job status changes.
The union promised to keep fire exits and driveways clear throughout the protest. They also pledged to maintain sanitation and keep marshals on site to ensure order. Mawphniang formally requested protection for all participants, warning the corporation against firing, transferring, or denying duty to those joining the agitation.
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