Over 150 Housekeeping Staff Strike at Ahmedabad SVP Hospital 

Ahmedabad : More than 150 housekeeping staff members at SVP Hospital, Ahmedabad, went on strike protesting a sudden change in their employment contracts on Thursday. The workers, previously employed by Sinduri Faber, allege they were laid off overnight after the hospital awarded the new housekeeping contract to Vishwa Enterprises.

According to Seemaben, a striking employee, “We’ve been working here under Sinduri Faber since 2018, including throughout the challenging Covid period. We deserve better treatment. The hospital administration didn’t inform us about the contract change, which legally requires a two-month notice. Additionally, despite our dedicated service for over six months, none of us have been offered permanent positions.”

The strike has gained political attention, with Bharat Makwana, the Congress candidate for Ahmedabad West Lok Sabha, joining the protest. He criticized the ruling BJP government, stating, “The BJP shirks responsibility everywhere. They rely on contract-based hiring for all positions, from consultants to cleaning staff. These contracts are then awarded to their own supporters. Today, the women of SVP Hospital are striking because they’ve been left in the dark about their employer. They are treated like discarded waste after years of service. Some employees have been here since 1995! They deserve permanent positions. How long will this exploitative contract system continue?”

Makwana further warned the Gujarat government and Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC), stating, “If this behavior continues, the agitation will escalate. Not only fourth-class employees, but also second and third-class employees will join the strike.”

The strike disrupts hospital operations, raising concerns about hygiene and sanitation. Negotiations between the protesting staff, hospital administration, and potentially the new contractor are underway to resolve the situation.