‘Smart watch is a symbol of slavery’

Chandigarh, March 12

The Federation of UT Employees and Workers today held a protest outside the MC office in Sector 17 here against the smart watch system introduced for the civic body employees.

The employees of the horticulture, roads, public health and electricity wings of the civic body along with staff of CITCO, Chandigarh Housing Board and other departments of the UT participated in the dharna.

“We strongly condemn the MC authorities for partially implementing the smart watch system in the engineering wing and the MOH wing (safai karamcharis). We term it a symbol of slavery,” said Safai Karamchari Union general secretary Ompal Singh Chanwar.

“This practice will put extra burden on the MC, which is already in a financial crunch. On the other hand, it is a health hazard, harmful to the employees, due to its high frequency and high radiation. Symptoms of swelling and vomiting have been seen in some employees who wore these watches, particularly women staff,” added Chanwar.

“Instead of paying Rs 18 lakh per month to the company, they should pay pending salaries,” said protesters. — TNS