The Maharashtra Employees Union has urged the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) to address key concerns faced by transport department employees, including health insurance for permanent staff, the installation of sanitary napkin dispensing machines in women’s restrooms, and the reemployment of retired drivers on a contractual basis.
A written demand was submitted to NMMC Commissioner Dr. Kailas Shinde and Transport Manager Yogesh Kaduskar on Tuesday, emphasizing the need for immediate action.
“Despite rising inflation, permanent employees in the municipal transport department continue to work on low salaries without health insurance benefits. In the event of a workplace accident, these employees often struggle to afford medical treatment, forcing them to seek financial help or take loans from banks and credit societies. While the transport department currently provides health insurance for contractual workers, permanent employees remain excluded from this benefit,” said Chairman Ravindra Sawant.
The union has stressed that equal medical protection should be extended to all workers to ensure they do not face financial hardships or fall into debt due to medical expenses. “Given the years of dedicated service provided by permanent employees, the union insists that the municipal administration must take responsibility for their healthcare and has demanded the immediate implementation of a health insurance scheme for them,” added Sawant.
The union also highlighted the challenges faced by women employees, including drivers, conductors, and sanitation workers, in managing menstrual hygiene while on duty. To address this issue, the union has requested the installation of sanitary napkin dispensing machines in women’s restrooms across depots, designated women’s sections, and the headquarters. “This initiative would eliminate inconvenience, ensuring easy access to sanitary napkins without additional effort. The Maharashtra Employees Union has called for swift action to install these machines for the well-being and comfort of women employees,” he said.
Currently, the NMMC retires drivers at the age of 58, but many municipal departments are facing a shortage of drivers, affecting operational efficiency and public transportation services. To address this issue, the union has proposed rehiring retired drivers on a contractual basis. This would provide employment opportunities for retired drivers while helping the municipal administration maintain an adequate workforce. The Maharashtra Employees Union has urged officials to consider this request and issue the necessary directives for rehiring retired drivers.
