Employees of various cooperative institutions across Uttar Pradesh are continuing their protests, demanding the implementation of the 7th Pay Commission and resolution of salary discrepancies. The protest, led by the Uttar Pradesh Cooperative Federation (PCF) employees, has entered its fourth day, with employees undeterred by adverse weather conditions.
The state government, however, has imposed a ban on strikes in the cooperative sector for the next six months. This directive was issued by Principal Secretary of Cooperation, M.P. Agrawal, and applies to all institutions under the Cooperative Federation, State Warehousing Corporation, and other cooperative societies.
Despite this, PCF employees, who play a critical role in grain procurement from farmers across the state, are firm in their demands. Union leader Umashankar Mishra, addressing the gathering at Lucknow’s Eco Garden, stated that the employees have been waiting for over eight years for their demands to be fulfilled. “We are the bridge between farmers and the government, yet our voices remain unheard. Until our demands are met, the strike will continue,” he added.
In a display of solidarity, hundreds of employees from various districts braved the heavy rains, staging demonstrations under tarpaulins. The scene at Eco Garden was charged with slogans, as employees rallied against what they called the government’s apathy.
Sunil Kumar, the union’s general secretary, condemned the actions of officials who allegedly forced them to relocate their protest from the PCF headquarters to Eco Garden. “The attitude of the authorities is deeply disappointing. Despite performing crucial tasks for the state’s welfare, over 1,343 employees have been denied the 7th Pay Commission benefits, citing budget constraints. This is completely unfounded,” he said, noting that other departments had already implemented the pay commission from January 2016.
Protesters like Anoop Kumar from Mainpuri expressed their frustration, stating that despite numerous warnings and attempts to negotiate, the government has remained unresponsive. “Whether it’s rain or storm, we will not leave until our demands are met,” he declared, emphasizing the employees’ determination to see the strike through to the end.
Employees have also complained of being pressured by officials to end their protest, with some alleging that the administration consistently attempts to suppress their efforts. However, the workers remain resolute, vowing not to back down in what they describe as a fight for their rightful wages.
The strike continues amid worsening weather conditions, with employees stating that they will not abandon their cause, even if they have to face harsher circumstances in the coming days.
