Indian housing project workers on strike for a week over poor conditions
One of their concerns is poor hygiene of the food they are provided; sometimes even rotten food.
By
Mohamed Muzayyin Nazim
Workers of JMC, an Indian company contracted for a government-owned housing project in Hulhumale, have been on strike for over a week, they said Wendesday.
On Wednesday, Atoll Times journalists went to the place where the workers lived and spoke to them.
They have three main concerns:
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Poor hygiene of the food they are provided; sometimes even rotten food are being provided
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They were told they would be required to put in eight hours of work, but have to now work uninterrupted for 10 or 11 hours without any overtime pay
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The absence of medical care
"It has been a week since our 2,000 employees stopped work and went on strike over these concerns," said Babul Khan, 22.
According to them, they don't have access to good food.
"The main concern is that we are getting to eat rotten vegetables and fruits. Fried chicken and boiled eggs are stored in the fridge for three or four days before being given to us for our meals," said one worker.
They pointed out that the workers used to have a doctor, but now they do not have access to a medical professional. They also have a lot of concerns about the safety of their accommodation.
"It's built to two floors, separated by a deck. Now some parts of the deck look like they are ready to fall on our heads. It's even happened a couple of times in the recent past," said another.
Their demand is that these concerns should be addressed as soon as possible. Improving the provision of food and changing working hours to the promised eight hours and ensure access to health care.
"Otherwise, we want the company to give us what we are owed and send us back to our homes," said Babul.
