Palike computer operators protest non-payment

Palike computer operators went on an indefinite protest from Monday demanding that their salary, due for the last six months, be paid. Holding placards, they raised slogans against the Palike and Keonics for delaying their salary. The protesters were led by the Centre For Indian Trade Union (CITU).

Addressing protesters, K N Umesh, general secretary, CITU Bangalore district committee, alleged that the Palike’s apathy in making payments has left them in lurch. “Employees have been cheated for the past six months,” he said.

Squarely blaming Keonics, that has made ‘sub-contract’ by hiring computers operators to three agencies — Mayur, MM Advantage and Staffing Solutions — Umesh said another firm VNS Consultancy too has obtained contract in the RR Nagar zone. He alleged that the contractor is not paying minimum wages to computer operators as fixed by the deputy commissioner. The police personnel tried to pacify the agitators, but in vain.

A BBMP spokesperson later, said that the BBMP is nowhere involved in the episode. “It's a matter between the Keonics and the employees and the BBMP is not in the picture. As the Keonics has not submitted the bills since December to the Palike, we have not released the payment. We stand by our commitment to pay salaries to those who are working for us. The moment we receive bills, we will clear the dues within 24 hours,” he said.