Chabua Air Force Station Workers Protest for Rights and Wages

Contract workers at Chabua Air Force Station staged a protest demanding fair wages and social security benefits. Organized by the Chabua Regional Contract Workers Union, the rally highlighted issues of unpaid wages and the lack of workplace protections. Workers expressed their frustrations over economic exploitation and called for immediate action from authorities. With five key demands, including job security and healthcare provisions, the union warned of escalating protests if their grievances remain unaddressed. This demonstration underscores the ongoing struggle for workers' rights in essential services.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 19, 2026, 16:56 IST

Protest by Contract Workers at Chabua Air Force Station

The protestors in Chabua

Jorhat, June 19: A significant number of contract workers from the Chabua Air Force Station gathered on Friday, engaging in a bike rally and protest to voice their grievances regarding prolonged economic exploitation, delayed wages, and insufficient social security benefits.

The demonstration was organized by the Chabua Regional Contract Workers Union, which accused the relevant authorities and contractor firms of disregarding the rights and welfare of the workers at this strategically vital Air Force location.

With banners and placards in hand, the workers marched from Pakalain Playground to the Air Force Ground, chanting slogans to express their demands.

They presented five key demands, including immediate job security for all contract workers, payment of overdue wages, an increase in daily wages, provision of Provident Fund (PF) and ESIC benefits, and the establishment of an ESIC health center in Chabua to provide accessible healthcare for workers and their families.

The union claimed that a contractor company, HRD, has not paid many workers for extended periods, causing severe financial hardship for numerous families.

During the gathering, several workers shared their struggles, accusing the authorities of inaction despite numerous appeals for help.

One protestor stated, "Many workers have gone months without pay. Some have been waiting for two months, others for three, and some have not received wages for as long as six months. Families are in distress while workers continue to fulfill their duties. We demand immediate payment of all outstanding wages."

The protestor also pointed out the lack of social protection measures for workers.

"Contract workers perform essential tasks, yet they lack workplace safety guarantees, medical security, and access to PF or ESIC benefits. We are demanding the fundamental rights and protections that every worker deserves," they emphasized.

Another representative from the union highlighted that the workers felt compelled to take public action.

"For years, contract workers have endured uncertainty, delayed payments, and inadequate welfare provisions. Our repeated requests have led to minimal results. Today's rally is a collective call for justice, dignity, and respect for the workforce that sustains essential services," they stated.

After the protest, the union submitted a memorandum to the authorities at the Chabua Air Force Station via the Chabua Revenue Circle Officer, requesting immediate action to address the workers' concerns.

Union leaders warned that if their demands are not met, they may escalate their protests in the near future.