Phagwara Municipal Corporation employees have decided to participate in a statewide indefinite strike starting from May 11. The decision was taken during a meeting of the Municipal Corporation Employees Union, citing unresolved demands related to pending allowances and regularisation of contractual staff.
Reasons for the Strike
The employees are protesting against the non-payment of various allowances, including house rent allowance and city compensatory allowance. They are also demanding the regularisation of contractual employees who have been working for years without job security. The union leaders stated that despite multiple representations to the state government, no action has been taken.
Union's Stance
Union president Rajinder Singh said that the employees have been left with no option but to go on strike. He emphasised that the strike would continue until their demands are met. The union has also sought support from other municipal corporations across the state.
Impact on Services
The indefinite strike is expected to disrupt essential services provided by the municipal corporation, including waste collection, water supply, and sanitation. Residents of Phagwara are likely to face inconvenience if the strike proceeds. The union has assured that emergency services will be maintained.
Background
The Municipal Corporation Employees Union has been in talks with the local administration for several months. Earlier, they had given a notice to the commissioner, warning of agitation if their demands were not addressed. The statewide strike call has been given by the Punjab Municipal Corporation Employees Federation, which represents workers from all municipal corporations in Punjab.
Employees from other cities, including Ludhiana, Amritsar, and Jalandhar, are also expected to join the strike. The federation has demanded a meeting with the chief minister to resolve the issues.
