When the whole world celebrated Labour Day on May 1st, the security guards of Shipra Neo, a high-rise in Indirapuram, were fired from their jobs on Wednesday following their protest against the developer for holding their salary for more than two months.
The aggrieved guards told City Spidey they were not paid their salary for the month of February and March, claiming this had happened in the past too.
“We had faced such situations at least 4 times in the last one year,” security guards further added.
“We have been patient till now but it has crossed our level of tolerance. We are left with no option than being vocal about our ordeal and protest in public,” said a 30-year-old security guard on the condition of anonymity.
A married lady guard, who was present during the protest, said that due to such delays, it becomes really difficuly to run the house. I have two kids and in such situations, I am forced to borrow money from others to pay their school fees and manage other household needs.
While the demonstration was going on, a representative of Shipra Estate Limited threatened them of dire consequences if they don't discontinue their protest, the guards claimed. Soon after, they received a notice of their termination.
It is important to note that no notice was issued to these guards before termination whereas as per rules, it is mandatory for the management of a society to issue a notice period of 30 days.
Residents also extended their support to the guards in their protest over the delay in salary.
“It is shameful they have to face this thing on Labour Day,” commented Preeti Shukla, resident of the society who backed the security guards in their protest.
“The way they have been treated is totally inhumane.” said 73-year-old resident, DP Sharma.
The physical presence of the residents favouring these guards purportedly irked the developer. As a result, the services of the incumbent security agency got terminated too.
It is also assumed the decision has been taken keeping in view the hiring of new agency, which will commence its services from May 5.
“The current agency, security guards will receive their salary today,” informed Sandeep Gehlot, vice president of the AOA of Shipra Neo.
Poor state of affairs!
Besides the delay in salary, the troubled security guards told City Spidey in detail the issues that have been bothering them for the past several years.
Firstly, they are forced to do a general duty of 12 hours. Sometimes, this used to get extended to 36 hours for which they have not been paid any extra amount. Besides, they are deprived of paid leaves.
“Our salary get deducted even in the case of sick leaves,” a guard said.
Secondly, the management of the society refuses to give them provident fund or ESI.
Thirdly, the guards pointed out the pathetic condition in which they have to work inside the society premises.
“During winters, a batch of 14 guards used to get 20 litres bottle of drinking water. However, after much demand, the management added one more citing summers,” claimed supervisor.
City Spidey tried to contact Jitendra, operation head of Knight Watch Security (the incumbent agency) to take his version on the claims made by security guards. However, he didn't respond to our calls and messages. Shipra Estate Limited (SEL) too was incommunicado.
