Claiming that they have not received salaries and other benefits for the past seven months, public health laboratory workers employed in all 136 local levels of Madhesh Province staged a sit-in protest and demonstration in front of the Provincial Public Health Laboratory office in Janakpurdham on June 16, 2026.
Laboratory worker Anil Mahato said they were compelled to launch the protest because salaries have remained unpaid since October/November of the fiscal year 2025/26, festival allowances have not been provided, and the contract renewal process for employees has yet to be finalized, even as the current fiscal year is nearing its end.
The coordinator of the Joint Struggle Committee of Laboratory Workers, Sahid Rai, complained that despite repeatedly informing the concerned authorities both in writing and verbally, no response had been received regarding the issue. He stated that although the matter is linked to workers’ rights to fair remuneration, decent work, and occupational security, they have been compelled to continue providing services despite not receiving their wages for a prolonged period.
Anjali Yadav, one of the protesting laboratory workers, informed that a memorandum outlining their demands had been submitted to the government on June 12, 2026. She warned that stronger protest programs would be announced if their demands were not addressed. Yadav stated that the denial of salaries and other service benefits has adversely affected the employees’ economic, social, and professional rights.
The laboratory workers have drawn the attention of the Ministry of Health and Population of Madhesh Province, the Ministry of Labour and Transport, the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Planning, and the Provincial Public Health Laboratory, demanding the immediate payment of outstanding salaries, renewal of service contracts, and provision of festival, clothing, risk, and inflation allowances.
They stated that being compelled to provide services without remuneration for the past seven months constitutes a violation of workers’ rights to fair wages, job security, social security, and a dignified working environment. They also warned that their protest programs would be intensified if their demands are not addressed without delay.