SHILLONG, SEP 2: The 321 vocational trainers under the Meghalaya Vocational Education Trainers’ Union staged a peaceful protest here on Wednesday demanding a new pay structure and equal work equal pay, saying the issue has been pending for years.
Union president Aiban Suchiang said Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma had assured them of talks when he stopped his car and met them at Students’ Field, Jaiaw in May, but no call has come till date.
“Our demand is simple – increment and a new pay structure,” Suchiang said, adding that trainers handling Classes IX to XII get Rs 24,000 for secondary and Rs 30,000 for higher secondary after three years, which does not match their workload.
He said vocational subjects are practical-based with 30 marks theory, 50 practical and 20 internal, covering trades like IT, Electronics, Tourism & Hospitality, Beauty & Wellness and Healthcare.
The Union said the protest was kept low-key but warned of larger agitations if the government fails to invite them for talks.
By Our Reporter
