GISFemployees threaten stir for not being included in pay hike

More than 3000 jawans of Gujarat Industrial Security Force (GISF) have threatened to go on a strike from Monday. They are unhappy with their exclusion from the recent announcement of pay hike given to over 8 lakh state government employees.

GISF employee union and Gujarat Federation of Trade Unions (GFTU) have called for a strike and a padyatra towards Gandhinagar.

Making the announcement, Amrish Patel, GFTU secretary alleged that the jawans are living in pathetic condition ever since the GISF was formed in 1997.

“These jawans are surviving on a salary of Rs 4600 per month. They must be included in the benefits and pay hikes announced for the other 8 lakh employees,” said Patel on Saturday. He added that more than 3000 jawnas from all over the state along with 5,000 of their family members will take part in a march towards Gandhinagar on Monday.

According to Patel, these jawans play a vital role in safeguarding important government establishments like sachivalaya, navlakhi port and Sardar Sarovar. “Since the GISF was formed under the Bombay Trust Act in 1997, they are not considered as government employees at the time of pay hike announcements. The government cannot neglect their contribution. They must be given their dues” said Patel. 
On Thursday, the state government also hiked wages of more than one lakh employees drawing a fixed salary. The government also announced an early Diwali bonanza of Rs2,250 crore for eight lakh government employees and pensioners on Thursday.