Navi Mumbai: The agitation led by contract workers of the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) was called off following a written assurance from NMMC authorities. The workers, advocating for equal pay as per the Equal Work Equal Pay policy, had planned a significant march from Vashi to the Chief Minister's residence on September 4, 2024.

The demand for equal pay has been ongoing for the past three years, with contract workers seeking salaries equivalent to those of permanent employees appointed in 2007. Despite a proposal sent to the Principal Secretary, Urban Development 2, on July 25, 2023, and subsequent approvals from Chief Minister Eknath Shinde in November 2023, the issue remained unresolved.

 Deputy Secretary Sushila Pawar’s notice to the Commissioner led to the suspension of the workers' march, which was halted by police at Vashi railway station.

 Following a meeting with Additional Commissioner Shirish Aardwad, Deputy Commissioner Administration Sharad Pawar, and Deputy Commissioner Solid Waste Management Ajay Gadade, the workers received a written assurance that Deputy Commissioner Gadade would follow up and ensure a decision within one month. The agitation is now postponed until September 20, 2024, with further action planned if no resolution is reached by then.

“We have decided to stage a march on the 20th, as we do not trust the promises made by the municipal authorities,” said Mangesh Lad, General Secretary, Samaj Samata Kamgar Sangh.