Electricity store hamali union announce State-wide dharna on July 15

The United Electricity Store Hamali Union (UESHU-CITU) announced a State-level dharna at Alankar Centre Dharna Chowk in Vijayawada on July 15, demanding resolution of long-pending service and welfare issues. The union called upon electricity store workers and contract employees to participate.

The protest, being organised under the banner of the Electricity Store Hamalis’ Struggle Committee, is part of a State-wide agitation seeking better wages, job security, and improved service conditions. As part of the campaign, union leaders conducted an awareness programme at the Gunadala Electricity Stores in Vijayawada on Monday (July 13, 2026).

The union demanded implementation of “equal pay for equal work”, extension of EPF and ESI benefits, regularisation of contract employees, a minimum monthly wage of ₹48,000, free medical treatment through a health card, and insurance coverage of ₹1 crore for accidental death or injury.

Other demands include implementation of a revised PRC settlement, release of pending DA instalments, restoration of the old pension scheme, promotions for eligible employees, higher EPF pension benefits for pre-2008 recruits, and conduct of employees’ union recognition elections.

Opposing privatisation in the power sector, the union urged the management to resolve the workers’ grievances and appealed to electricity store hamalis and contract workers across the state to participate in large numbers in the July 15 protest, according to a press release.