Ulwe: Former MP Sanjeev Naik has raised concerns over employment opportunities for local residents, wages and workers’ rights at Navi Mumbai International Airport during a meeting with BVG company management on October 22. The discussion was held through the Airport Aviation Employees Union, with the management reportedly responding positively to the demands.

Naik stressed that local residents and project-affected families had contributed their land for major infrastructure projects, including Jawaharlal Nehru Port and Navi Mumbai International Airport. He said, “Local people must be given priority in employment opportunities generated by projects for which they have contributed their land.”

He also said that employment alone was not enough, and workers must receive wages as prescribed by law, statutory benefits, workplace safety and other entitled facilities. He urged companies to adopt a positive approach towards workers’ concerns and resolve pending issues.

BVG Chief Executive Officer Bipin Tiku attended the meeting and reportedly responded positively to the demands concerning local employment and workers’ benefits. According to the union, the management assured it that further discussions would be held within the applicable legal and regulatory framework to address the issues raised.

Airport Aviation Employees Union unit general secretary Sadhuram Malusare said more than 600 workers had voluntarily joined the union over the past two months. “Our primary objective is to ensure that workers receive their rightful wages, facilities, workplace safety and other benefits guaranteed under the law,” he said.

Union office-bearers, committee members, activists and local residents attended the meeting, including vice-president Sunil Katekar and other representatives.

The union said it would continue to pursue the pending demands through discussions with the company management.