CITU hails regularisation of 13,000 workers in Haryana
The Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) on Friday hailed the “historic triumph” of municipal and fire department workers in Haryana, following a fortnight-long strike that forced the State administration to concede to a wide range of demands, including regularisation of services and enhanced compensation.
The breakthrough comes after the State’s administrative machinery was reportedly paralysed from May 1, culminating in a massive solidarity wave by the All India State Government Employees Federation on May 14.
In a statement, CITU General Secretary Elamaram Kareem extended “revolutionary greetings” to the workers led by the Sarva Karmachary Sangh (SKS). “This resounding triumph is a direct result of the militant leadership and strategic resolve of the SKS, which forced a reluctant administration to its knees,” the statement said.
As per the agreement, the Haryana Government has committed to regularising nearly 13,000 municipal and fire department employees up to the age of 55. Furthermore, the Government has agreed to reinstate approximately 5,000 dismissed workers and withdraw all harassment-related legal actions initiated during the agitation.
A significant highlight of the settlement is the resolution of compensation for the families of fallen firefighters Bhavichand Sharma and Ranbir Singh. Each family will now receive Rs 50 lakh in compensation along with Government jobs, ending what the union described as a “discriminatory delay.”
The deal also includes a new pay scale of Rs 25,500 for fire payroll employees and a minimum salary of Rs 15,220 for door-to-door sanitation workers, complete with EPF and ESI benefits. Sewer workers and firemen will also receive a Rs 5,000 monthly risk allowance.
While celebrating the victory, CITU cautioned that it would remain vigilant to ensure the state cabinet honours these commitments in its meeting scheduled before June 30, 2026.
“This victory serves as a beacon of hope for the entire Indian working class,” Kareem added.
