Mangalore: Mescom head office in Mangalore is near A.B. Shetty circle at Pandeshwar. A protest rally was held in front of this office on Tuesday by its own contract workers, demanding a permanent category for them, and seeking the stoppage of hiring workers in a temporary category hereafter.

They also demanded other facilities in permanent service, like minimum salary of Rs10,000 payable on first date each month, and employment card, a pay-slip, provident fund and bonus, paid leave once in 20 days, and other matters.

Mescom has hired security guards, operators, bill collectors, Watchmen, Computer workers, and others on a contract basis.

The Contract Labour Regulation and Abolition Act of 1970 had abolished the hiring system and contract basis, president of Mescom non-permanent Workers Association told the gathering .

The Central and state governments should implement the Act faithfully, he urged.