Mid-Day Meal Workers Announce July 9 Strike Over Unmet Demands

Andhra Pradesh: Citing political harassment, unpaid dues, and lack of job security, mid-day meal workers in the district have declared their participation in the nationwide strike on July 9, warning that school meals will not be served that day.

• Strike notice submitted to education officials

Mid-Day Meal Workers Union Konaseema District General Secretary Satyaveni, along with other union leaders, formally submitted a strike notice to Assistant District Education Officer (ADEO) Suresh. The notice confirmed that workers would abstain from duties on July 9 in response to a national strike call given by central trade unions. “We are left with no choice but to strike. Our voices must be heard,” said Satyaveni.

• Political harassment on the rise, say workers

Satyaveni alleged that since the new coalition government came to power, political harassment of mid-day meal workers has intensified, despite assurances from Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu that no worker would be removed. “Local leaders are targeting workers for no reason. If this continues, we will launch district-wide protests,” she warned.

• Key Demands: Minimum Wage, Job Security, and Dignity

The union is demanding a fixed minimum wage, timely payments, and protection from arbitrary removals. Workers also want a repeal of the new labor codes, which they claim undermine worker rights and benefits. “Mid-day meal workers are keeping the system running—often by taking loans due to unpaid bills. This is unacceptable,” Satyaveni said.

• Unjust removals without cause

Union members also raised concerns about mid-day meal workers being removed from schools without explanation or justification. They demanded that such dismissals be reversed immediately and that workers be treated with dignity.

“These are women supporting families with minimal income. Removing them without cause is a grave injustice,” the union emphasized.

• Widespread participation expected in July 9 strike

Leaders including Gangaratnam, Lakshmi Devi, Ramanamma, and Suryanarayana joined the meeting and expressed solidarity. They called on all mid-day meal workers in the district to participate in the strike and strengthen the collective movement for labor rights. “If our demands are not met, this will only be the beginning,” said one of the participating leaders.

(Source: IAIJ/BIN/DPJB)