Staff Reporter
ITANAGAR : The Arunachal Pradesh Trade Union Federation (APTUF) and the All Arunachal Pradesh Workers’ Union (AAPWU) on Thursday served a 14-day ultimatum on the state government, demanding the immediate release of pending wages and continuation of services of casual labourers and contingency employees, failing which they threatened to launch an agitation, including a 24-hour shutdown of water and electricity supply in the capital.
Addressing a press conference at the Arunachal Press Club, leaders of the two unions said they had submitted a joint memorandum to the concerned Principal Secretary, highlighting the difficulties faced by thousands of casual and contingency workers employed in various government departments.
The unions alleged that wages of casual labourers and contingency employees have remained unpaid since October 2025. They claimed that a meeting chaired by the Finance Commissioner on February 6, 2026 had decided to halt wage payments to such workers engaged in different works departments across the state.
According to the unions, the decision has pushed many workers and their families into severe financial hardship, particularly amid rising costs of essential commodities, fuel and house rent.
Union leaders further stated that a joint delegation had met the Chief Secretary and Finance Commissioner on March 12, seeking continuation of services and release of pending wages. They claimed that assurances were given that the dues would be cleared within a month, but no action has been taken so far.
Demanding immediate intervention, the unions urged the government to clear all pending dues and ensure continuity of services within 14 days of the submission of the memorandum.
“Even after the completion of the 14-day ultimatum, if the state government fails to continue the services and release the pending wages within the stipulated period, the unions will be compelled to initiate democratic movements, including a complete shutdown of water and electricity supply, without further notice,” the union leaders warned.
The memorandum has also been forwarded to Governor Lt Gen KT Parnaik (Retd), Chief Minister Pema Khandu, Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein, the Chief Secretary, Labour Commissioner and heads of various departments for necessary action, the unions informed.
