Shillong, September 4: Advocate Erwin Syiem Sutnga, Co-Chairman of the Meghalaya State Law Commission, has urged members of the All Meghalaya Muster Roll Progressive Workers’ Union (AMMRPWU) to remain united and pursue their demands through lawful and democratic means.
Addressing a general meeting of the Union in his capacity as adviser, Sutnga said unity remained the strongest weapon available to workers and urged members not to lose heart while pursuing their legitimate demands.
He advised the Union to maintain proper records, examine relevant government rules and schemes carefully and submit their grievances to the competent authorities through clear and formal representations.
Sutnga stressed that meaningful engagement with the State Government and the departments concerned would be essential to finding a fair resolution to the long-pending issues faced by muster-roll workers.
He also called for the Union to be strengthened at every level and for its members to be educated about their legal rights. He said legitimate grievances could be examined and addressed within the framework of applicable laws, rules and government policies.
Muster-roll workers across Meghalaya have raised several concerns, including delays in wage payments, revision of the Variable Dearness Allowance (VDA), regularisation of services, retirement benefits and other welfare entitlements.
Sutnga urged the workers to remain patient, disciplined and determined while continuing to pursue their demands through appropriate channels.
AMMRPWU Elects New Office-Bearers
The AMMRPWU has also elected a new team of office-bearers, with N.K. Lanong chosen as president and Bympher Lyndem as general secretary.
Ben Johnson Blah, Dalseng and Adyen John were elected vice-presidents, while Bankerlang Kharrngi, Dalseng Sangma and Euginia Wallang were elected assistant general secretaries.
Wanda Majaw was elected treasurer, John Kennedy Lyngkhoi finance secretary, Pynskhem Shangdiar publicity secretary and Wanphai Nongkseh joint secretary.
Advocate Erwin Syiem Sutnga will serve as adviser to the Union.
The presidents, secretaries and other office-bearers of the Union’s various units will also serve as members of the Executive Committee.
The newly constituted team reaffirmed its commitment to promoting unity, cooperation and progress while working to protect the rights and welfare of muster-roll workers across Meghalaya.
Union Discusses Long-Pending Grievances
During the general meeting, the Union discussed the long-pending grievances of muster-roll employees working in various government departments across the State.
Speaking on behalf of the Union, president N.K. Lanong and general secretary Bympher Lyndem said workers continued to face problems relating to wages, service benefits, job security and disparities in the treatment of employees across different departments.
They said the Union would compile grievances received from workers in various departments before formally submitting their demands to the State Government and other competent authorities.
The leaders stressed that all eligible muster-roll workers should receive equal rights, benefits and treatment irrespective of the departments in which they are employed.
The meeting also discussed measures to strengthen the Union and constitute an action committee to pursue the workers’ demands.
The leaders called upon muster-roll workers across Meghalaya to remain united and actively participate in the Union’s programmes.
The AMMRPWU said it would continue to engage with the Government through lawful and democratic means and urged the authorities to hold meaningful discussions with the Union and take steps to improve the working conditions, job security and welfare of muster-roll employees.
