Amplifying the Voices of Healthcare and Anganwadi Workers in India

UNI Global Union affiliate in India, The Jharkhand State Government Employees Federation (JSNGEF-IN) and the Jharkhand State Health Care & Anganwadi Employees Federation (JSHCAEF-IN) united for a powerful joint meeting at the RIMS Campus in Ranchi. Hundreds of healthcare and Anganwadi workers gathered to address pressing challenges in the care sector and push for stronger labor rights.

Union leaders, including Brother Ashok Kumar Singh (General Secretary, JSNGEF-IN & State President, JSHCAEF-IN), Sister I.B. Rani Khalkho, Brother Dhirendra Prasad, Brother Sushant Kumar Sahu, Sister Rekha Mandal, Sister Devanti Devi, and Brother Prayag Prasad Yadav, delivered impactful speeches highlighting the urgent need for better wages, safer working environments, and increased staffing support.

Marking five years since the COVID-19 pandemic, Brother Ashok Kumar Singh acknowledged the relentless dedication of frontline healthcare staff and Anganwadi employees. He emphasized the unions’ unwavering commitment to workers’ rights and praised UNI CARE for its continued support in driving these efforts forward.

In his speech, Brother Ashok Kumar Singh, General Secretary, JSNGEF-IN highlighted “The five-year milestone since the COVID-19 pandemic and the critical role played by Frontline Workers, Healthcare Staff, and Anganwadi Employees in controlling the crisis. Following UNI CARE’s directives, the unions marked this occasion by reaffirming their commitment to advocating for workers’ rights and expressing solidarity with their demands. He extended deep appreciation to UNI CARE for its continued support in advancing workers’ causes.”

Rajendra Acharya, UNI-APRO Regional Secretary, “The unions have played a remarkable role in advocating for healthcare and Anganwadi workers in India. Their relentless efforts to secure fair wages, better staffing, and safe working conditions are commendable. Anganwadi workers, as the backbone of our society, deserve dignity, respect, and improved labor conditions. We stand in continuous support of their demands and will work tirelessly to ensure they receive the recognition and rights they deserve.”

Union Demands

The discussion centered around five major demands aimed at improving working conditions in the healthcare and social care sectors:

1. Fair Wages and Benefits – Ensuring that workers receive the compensation they deserve.
2. Addressing Staffing Shortages – Reducing workload pressures and enhancing service quality.
3. Preventing Workplace Violence and Harassment – Creating a safe and respectful environment for all.
4. Promoting Equality – Improving conditions for both immigrant and non-immigrant workers.
5. Expanding Union Representation – Strengthening collective bargaining rights to empower workers.

The meeting underscored the power of solidarity in advocating for workers’ rights. JSNGEF-IN and JSHCAEF-IN reaffirmed their commitment to fighting for fair wages, better working conditions, and job security. In collaboration with UNI CARE and other allied organizations, the unions continue to push for meaningful change in the care sector, ensuring that the voices of healthcare and Anganwadi workers are heard and respected.