With Commissioner G. Veerapandian and Mayor Koneru Sridhar both away in New Delhi, the Vijayawada Municipal Corporation (VMC) did not respond to the Municipal Contractors’ Association’s announcement of a strike from July 1, official of the civic authority informally invited the contractors to talks.
The contractors are demanding clearance of bills and payment of dues while the corporation’s finances are stretched. VMC officials said the contractors’ strike threat would be addressed after Mr. Veerapandian and Mr. Sridhar return to the city in a couple of days.
Municipal Contractors’ Association’s vice-president A. Ankeswara Rao said the union is firm on a strike. “We have made things clear to VMC. We would not withdraw the strike plans until all the dues amounting to Rs.27 crore are paid. We also want the corporation to pay the present bills of nearly Rs.30 crore as well.”
Association members said the strike was their last option.
“Bank officials are seizing our assets for delays in loan repayment. Our pending dues from VMC date back six years. We do not want to cause any inconvenience to the people,” said Mr. Rao.
About 350 works, including 200 ongoing projects such as road carpeting and drain desiltation are likely to come to a halt if the contractors go ahead with their strike. These works, involving expenditure of Rs. 20 crore, were taken up with 13 Finance Commission and non-plan grants.
Going on strike is the last option, say association members
