ASHA Workers Go On Indefinite Strike: All You Need To Know

The ASHA workers announced indefinite strike as they are protesting against unfair payment. The workers were reportedly promised a sum of Rs 4,000 per month but were allegedly paid Rs 1,650 per month for their work as frontline warriors since the beginning of the pandemic.

These Maharashtra women who have contributed majorly to the fight against COVID-19 have announced a strike demanding a pay hike as they called their current payment unfair considering the amount of work they are supposed to do throughout the day. The workers have also alleged that they are asked to extend their working hours in light of the overwhelming COVID crisis.

Here's All You Need To Know About ASHA Strike:

• Ideally, the ASHA workers are supposed to work for 5 hours a day but it was increased by 2-3 hours more.
• Last year, they were promised a salary of Rs 4000 but that allegedly hasn't been fulfilled till now. Moreover, they are also denied the additional daily bonus of Rs 300 they used to receive during the first wave, according to reports
• From doing door to door COVID-19 survey to checking on home isolated COVID-19 positive patients, the ASHA workers have a notable contribution in the fight against the pandemic. However, all these services were done along with their usual work which leads to more work.
• They were also reported to have helped the government to keep a check on the situation in rural and tribal areas.
• One of the protestors told Mirror Now, "Last year we were told that we will be given a pay hike and our new salary will be Rs 4000/month. But that appears to be something which is just on papers."
• Calling the current salary figure as "minimal", workers reportedly raised the question, "How is one supposed to survive with such a small amount?"
• The strike, announced on June 15, is observed by more than 65,000 workers, according to reports.

Feature Image Credit: The Hindu