Kerala: EEFI Hails KSEB Workers’ ‘Victory’, Welcomes LDF Govt Role in Resolving Issues

New Delhi: The Electricity Employees’ Federation of India (EEFI) has congratulated its Kerala constituents for a “powerful victory” after a long struggle that began on December 17, 2024. It also welcomed the initiatives taken by the Left Democratic Front (LDF) government in the state for resolving the issues raised by the protesting employees, such as the appointment of 912 employees as well as compassionate appointments.

The struggle erupted after the KSEB Management was reluctant to implement the bipartite agreement achieved on October 22, 2024 with the KSEB Workers Association.

Read the full EEFI release below:

VICTORIOUS STRUGGLE OF KERALA ELECTRICITY EMPLOYEES & ENGINEERS

EEFI welcomes the initiatives taken by the LDF Government of Kerala for resolving the issue in favour of the Electricity Employees and the consumers of Kerala Electricity Board. At the same time EEFI marks out the Central Government policies of pressuring the States to contractualise its manpower employed in electricity service in the name of cost reduction.

The EEFI constituents of Kerala were in an indefinite struggle from 17th December 2024. It was a unique united struggle with permanent, contract employees and engineers coming together to the streets. The struggle erupted as the KSEB Management was reluctant to implement the bipartite agreement achieved on 22nd October 2024 with the KSEB Workers Association. The major issues of conflict were:

1)    The number of immediate vacancies agreed jointly by the single recognized Trade Union and the Management on 22nd October 2024 was 912. It was decided that the vacancies will be filled up in a single phase through the Kerala Public Service Commission (KPSC). But then the Management was denying the decisions in violation to the agreement reached.

2)    It was further decided that appointments under the Compassionate Employment Scheme for the dependents of the deceased employees will be made immediately. Management was reluctant to abide by that agreement also.

3)    Third demand was to Appoint Electricity workers to provide better service to consumers. Further, it was necessary to settle the contempt cases and make promotion from electricity worker to Lineman for ensuring quality service. Timely delivery of quality materials was also among the demands raised.

Other major demands were to:

1.      Approve Pay Revision Agreements and release arrears of Dearness Allowance.

2.      Implement comprehensive health insurance schemes for employees and pensioners.

3.      Pay wages of the contract labourers on time.

The Power employees of Kerala were in an indefinite struggle and were observing day long Dharna at their Head Office. The Hon’ble Power Minister met the struggling employees on 2nd January 2025. After his intervention the issue of appointment of 912 employees and the compassionate appointment were immediately settled. Further, a High Power Committee (with 2 union representatives, 2 management representatives headed by 1 Chairman) is formed to discuss and settle the other issues within a time period of 45 days.

This victory shows the fighting spirit of Electricity Employees of Kerala under the banner of EEFI. At the same time EEFI congratulates the LDF Government of Kerala for taking pro-industry, pro-worker steps.

Obviously, it is unique in Kerala where we can achieve Permanent Employment through struggle till date. We must take note that the Central Government and all other State Governments are blatantly moving towards more contractualisation and outsourcing of manpower in all sectors. While celebrating the victory, EEFI calls upon all of its constituents to heighten the struggle against the anti-people, anti-worker policies of the Central Government.