Fire brigade drivers protest over delayed pay, resume duty after assurance

Vadodara: Contractual drivers attached to the fire department of the Vadodara Municipal Corporation (VMC) staged a protest on Thursday and stayed away from work till the afternoon, alleging delayed and inadequate salaries.The drivers, hired through an agency, form a crucial part of the fire brigade's operations and also drive official vehicles of senior civic officials.According to the protesting drivers, they had not received their Feb salaries till Thursday. They said such delays had occurred earlier as well, despite repeated representations to authorities.The drivers also raised concerns over low wages, stating they are paid a fixed salary of Rs 15,000 per month despite working during emergencies. They added that their demands for a salary hike have not been addressed. Some also alleged inadequate provision of uniforms, claiming they received only one set of uniform and shoes in over two years.The drivers gathered at Navlakhi Ground to voice their grievances before resuming duty later in the day.In-charge chief fire officer Harendrasinh Chauhan said the issue arose due to a GST-related problem faced by the contractor. "The drivers went away only for some time and are now back on duty," he said.